Paul commended Philemon for the fruit of the Spirit that Philemon permitted the Spirit to manifest in his life. He also prayed that it would continue to abound to encourage Philemon to respond to the request that follows in a manner consistent with God's will.
vv. 4-5 "When Paul states he gave thanks continually' he means that he did not forget Philemon in his regular prayers . . ."10
"Again we should not regard this as mere literary flourish . . . . Paul must have had an extensive prayer list and presumably spent some time each day naming before God all his churches, colleagues, and supporters. This would help maintain and strengthen the sense of a faith shared with all the saints' (5-6)."11
Whenever Paul remembered Philemon in prayer he gave thanks for him. Evidently his testimony had been consistently honoring to the Lord. The basis of this thanksgiving was Philemon's love and faith. Reports of these qualities had undoubtedly reached Paul through Epaphras (Col. 1:7-8) and probably others as well. The objects of Philemon's love and faith were "all the saints"and "the Lord Jesus"(v. 5) respectively. The Greek construction is chiastic (cf. Eph. 1:15; Col. 1:4). That is, the first and fourth elements in verse 5 go together as do the second and third. This construction emphasizes the unity of the entire thought: love for the saints grows out of faith in Christ.
v. 6 We should probably understand Paul's prayer request for Philemon to be that his sharing with others, which was an outgrowth of his faith, would become even more energetic (cf. Phil. 1:5; 2 Cor. 8:4). Paul would give him an opportunity shortly. This interpretation includes another possible interpretation, namely that Christ might be increasingly visible through his life. As Philemon's appreciation of God's grace toward him grew he should have wanted to demonstrate more grace toward others in his interpersonal relationships.12Paul had in mind Onesimus particularly.
"In the present context epignosis["knowledge"] conveys both the ideas of understanding and experience. The apostle's prayer was not simply that Philemon might understand or appreciate the treasures that belonged to him, but that he might also experience them."13
v. 7 Paul experienced much joy and comfort as he heard of Philemon's love. The Greek word translated "hearts"(splagchna) designates total personality at the deepest level.14Philemon had already demonstrated the kind of behavior that Paul was going to call on him to manifest again. Paul's request would test his response. However, Paul was confident of Philemon's cooperation. He appealed to him from the same authority level, as a "brother"(cf. v. 2 where Paul called Apphia a "sister").
"Paul must have put Philemon in a precarious position indeed. In pleading for forgiveness and restitution for Onesimus without a punishment that was obvious to all, he was confronting the social and economic order head on. While he does not ask for manumission, even his request for clemency for Onesimus and hint of his assignment to Paul defied Roman tradition. By this plea Paul is also giving new dignity to the slave class."15
