Philemon 1-7

So very thankful for those spiritual warriors that Christ places in our lives. 

True love is expressed in action and not just in words. Working faith is a sharing faith; it is the acknowledgment of what Christ has done in the believer’s life. That kind of faith will also result in the sharing of possessions with other believers. A Christian’s joy in trying circumstances is a testimony to God’s peace. Philemon’s love brought joy and encouragement to Paul. Paul had heard that the hearts of the saints were also being refreshed by Philemon’s love. NKJ Bible.

Although Paul is imprisoned at this time, he does not regard himself as a prisoner of the state; rather, he is a prisoner of Christ, confined due to his efforts to spread the gospel. Yet even in prison Paul continues his mission. The Greek word used here, hagioi, refers to those who have been set apart as God’s people. Paul commended the churches in Ephesus and Colossae for their love for all the saints. Faithlife Bible.

Philemon

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.

Ephesians 1:15 | Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,

Ephesians 1:16 | do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:

Philippians 1:9 | And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,

Colossians 4:17 | And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”