For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the (c) bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

(c) Because you did so dutifully and cheerfully refresh the saints, that they conceived inwardly a marvellous joy: for by this word (bowels) is meant not only the inward feeling of wants and miseries that men have of one another's state, but also that joy and comfort which enters into the very bowels, as though the heart were refreshed and comforted.

People's New Testament

1:7 We have much joy and consolation in thy love. Alluding to the time when news came to him of the state of the church at Colosse and of Philemon's active Christian life. The news was brought, no doubt, by Epaphras (Col 1:7).

Wesley's Notes

1:7 The saints - To whom Philemon's house was open, Phm 2.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

7. For-a reason for the prayer, Phm 4-6.

we have-Greek, "we had."

joy and consolation-joined in 2Co 7:4.

saints are refreshed by thee-His house was open to them.

brother-put last, to conciliate his favorable attention to the request which follows.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

1:1-7 Faith in Christ, and love to him, should unite saints more closely than any outward relation can unite the people of the world. Paul in his private prayers was particular in remembering his friends. We must remember Christian friends much and often, as their cases may need, bearing them in our thoughts, and upon our hearts, before our God. Different sentiments and ways in what is not essential, must not make difference of affection, as to the truth. He inquired concerning his friends, as to the truth, growth, and fruitfulness of their graces, their faith in Christ, and love to him, and to all the saints. The good which Philemon did, was matter of joy and comfort to him and others, who therefore desired that he would continue and abound in good fruits, more and more, to God's honour.