Philemon 1:4-7

⁴ I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers,

⁵ hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints,

⁶ that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

⁷ For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.

Apparently, Paul didn’t know Philemon personally, but he knew him by reputation.

Hearing (v.5) — Paul likely heard of Philemon’s love and faith from Epaphras who was in prison with Paul in Rome (1:23), and, like Philemon, was from Colosse (Colossians 1:7-8). — Grace, page 2167.

sharing (v.6) — “Communication” in the KJV = fellowship, what is shared in common as the basis of fellowship.

“The communication of thy faith” (v.6), i.e., the benevolent actions of Philemon to others, the fruit of the living faith that was in his heart. The Apostle prayed that these might not be restricted, but that he might fully recognize and practice every good thing unto the glory of Christ. — Williams, page 969.

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The life of Philemon was a testimony. Paul describes it in a lovely way. He showed love toward the Lord Jesus and toward other believers. His faith was toward the Lord Jesus, and he was faithful to other believers. — McGee, page 186.

Philemon had love toward all saints and faith toward the Lord.

Paul’s prayer was that Philemon would show apply his faith in the Lord Jesus and live out the grace and love of Christ (Colossians 3:12-14). In this prayer, Paul had in mind specifically the case of Onesimus. — Grace, page 2167.