“I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,”
I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers — the thanksgiving (eucharistō) frames the letter positively, establishing Philemon's character before the request. The phrase always in my prayers (pantote hyper sou en tais proseukhais) indicates sustained intercession, Paul's ongoing spiritual investment in Philemon. The gratitude precedes the petition, a rhetorical strategy softening the forthcoming appeal.
Church Fathers on Philemon 1:4
He does not immediately at the commencement ask the favor, but having first admired the man, and having praised him for his good actions, and having shown no small proof of his love, that he always made mention of him in his prayers, and having said that many are refreshed by him, and that he is obedient and complying in all things; then he puts it last of all, by this particularly putting him to the blush. For if others obtain the things which they ask, much more Paul. If…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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