“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”
And I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the knowledge of all the good that is being done through us for Christ — the petition (deomai) asks that Philemon's faith-sharing (koinōnia tēs pisteōs) become energetic (energēs) through experiential knowledge (epignōsis) of the good accomplished in Christian community. The phrase good being done through us hints at the forthcoming request — that Philemon participate in the gospel's redemptive work through his treatment of Onesimus. Faith becomes concrete and powerful through costly action.
Church Fathers on Philemon 1:6
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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