7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people.
7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
7 For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.
7 Friend, you have no idea how good your love makes me feel, doubly so when I see your hospitality to fellow believers.
7 For we have
7 Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God's people.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Philemon 1:7
Commentary on Philemon 1:1-7
(Read Philemon 1:1-7)
Faith in Christ, and love to him, should unite saints more closely than any outward relation can unite the people of the world. Paul in his private prayers was particular in remembering his friends. We must remember Christian friends much and often, as their cases may need, bearing them in our thoughts, and upon our hearts, before our God. Different sentiments and ways in what is not essential, must not make difference of affection, as to the truth. He inquired concerning his friends, as to the truth, growth, and fruitfulness of their graces, their faith in Christ, and love to him, and to all the saints. The good which Philemon did, was matter of joy and comfort to him and others, who therefore desired that he would continue and abound in good fruits, more and more, to God's honour.