Philemon 1:6

that This word refers back to the "prayers" of Philemon 1:4; Philemon 1:5 being a parenthesis of thought. As in his other thanksgivings, so in this, he passes at once into prayer that the good he rejoices in may grow.

the communication R.V., "fellowship." The Greek word occurs Romans 15:26; 2 Corinthians 9:13; Hebrews 13:16 (and the verb, Romans 12:13; Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:15); in the sense of charitable distribution, bounty. So it seems to be here. Philemon, comparatively wealthy, was the generous giver to his poorer fellow-believers.

of thy faith I.e., which thy faith prompts, and in that sense makes. Philemon's faith was as it were the inward "distributor to the necessities of the saints," while his hand was the outward. The phrase, so explained, is unusual, but other explanations are much further fetched.

may become effectual Operative (Ellicott), or effective (Lightfoot). He prays that Philemon's life of practical love may "tell" around him. Wyclif, "may be made opene." This is from the Latin, which (see Lightfoot) depends on a slight variant (one letter only) in the Greek.

by the acknowledging Lit. and better, in the (true) knowledge. As the recipients and witnesses of his goodness saw more and more clearly the motive and spirit of it, they would have a truer insight (epignôsis) into the power of the Gospel; and "in" that insight would consist the deepest "effect" of Philemon's goodness. On the word here rendered (R. V.) "knowledge," see on Colossians 1:9.

every good thing Every grace; the gift of love in all its practical manifestations.

in you Probably read, in us; us Christians as such. So Ellicott, Alford, Lightfoot, and margin R. V.

in Christ Jesus Read, unto Christ (perhaps omitting Jesus). "Unto" Him: i.e., to His glory, the true aim of the true life of grace. The servant is so to live that not only shall he be seen to be beneficent, but his beneficence shall be seen to be due to Another, whose he is. Perhaps these words go with "the knowledge" just above; as if to say, "your good shall be recognizedto His glory." But this collocation is not necessary.