CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Philemon 1:5 because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/philemon/1-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/57_Phm_01_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Philemon 1:5 - Philemon's Faith and Love" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/philemon/1-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/philemon/1-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/philemon/">Philemon</a> > <a href="/philemon/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/philemon/1-4.htm" title="Philemon 1:4">◄</a> Philemon 1:5 <a href="/philemon/1-6.htm" title="Philemon 1:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/philemon/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/philemon/1.htm">New International Version</a> because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. <a href="/nlt/philemon/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. <a href="/esv/philemon/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, <a href="/bsb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. <a href="/blb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> hearing of your love and the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, <a href="/kjv/philemon/1.htm">King James Bible</a> Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; <a href="/nkjv/philemon/1.htm">New King James Version</a> hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, <a href="/nasb_/philemon/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints; <a href="/nasb/philemon/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints; <a href="/nasb77/philemon/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> because I hear of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; <a href="/lsb/philemon/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints; <a href="/amp/philemon/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> because I hear of your love and of your faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints (God’s people). <a href="/csb/philemon/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> because I hear of your love for all the saints and the faith that you have in the Lord Jesus. <a href="/hcsb/philemon/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> because I hear of your love and faith toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints. <a href="/asv/philemon/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> hearing of thy love, and of the faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; <a href="/cev/philemon/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I hear about your faith in our Lord Jesus and about your love for all God's people. <a href="/erv/philemon/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> hearing of thy love, and of the faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; <a href="/gwt/philemon/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I hear about your faithfulness to the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God's people. <a href="/gnt/philemon/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> For I hear of your love for all of God's people and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus. <a href="/isv/philemon/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> because I keep hearing about your love for all the saints and the faith that you have in the Lord Jesus. <a href="/msb/philemon/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. <a href="/net/philemon/1.htm">NET Bible</a> because I hear of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. <a href="/nheb/philemon/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> hearing of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; <a href="/wbt/philemon/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast towards the Lord Jesus, and towards all saints; <a href="/wey/philemon/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have towards the Lord Jesus and which you manifest towards all God's people; <a href="/web/philemon/1.htm">World English Bible</a> hearing of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/philemon/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> hearing of your love and faith that you have to the Lord Jesus and toward all the holy ones, <a href="/blb/philemon/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> hearing of your love and the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, <a href="/ylt/philemon/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> hearing of thy love and faith that thou hast unto the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, <a href="/slt/philemon/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast to the Lord Jesus, and to all the holy;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/philemon/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Hearing of thy charity and faith, which thou hast in the Lord Jesus, and towards all the saints: <a href="/cpdv/philemon/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> (for I am hearing of your charity and faith, which you have in the Lord Jesus and with all the saints) <a href="/nabre/philemon/1.htm">New American Bible</a> as I hear of the love and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus and for all the holy ones, <a href="/nrsvce/philemon/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> because I hear of your love for all the saints and your faith toward the Lord Jesus.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/philemon/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Since I have heard of your faith and love, which you have toward our LORD Jesus, and toward all saints; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/philemon/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Behold, from the time that I heard of your faith and love which you have toward our Lord Yeshua and toward all The Holy Ones,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/philemon/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> hearing of your love and your faith, which you have in the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints, <a href="/godbey/philemon/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> hearing about your divine love, and the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and all the saints; <a href="/haweis/philemon/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> hearing of thy love and faith which thou hast towards the Lord Jesus, and unto all the saints; <a href="/mace/philemon/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and thank my God for the account I have of your faith in the Lord Jesus and the love you bear to all the saints; <a href="/wey/philemon/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have towards the Lord Jesus and which you manifest towards all God's people; <a href="/worrell/philemon/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> hearing of your love and the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; <a href="/worsley/philemon/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> (hearing of the faith which thou hast towards the Lord Jesus, and of thy love to all the saints,) <a href="/parallel/philemon/1-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BS2bNjCPoic?start=28" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/philemon/1.htm">Philemon's Faith and Love</a> 4I always thank my God, remembering you in my prayers, 5<a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akouōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">because I hear about</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hēn (RelPro-AFS) -- Who, which, what, that. "></a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echeis (V-PIA-2S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4102.htm" title="4102: pistin (N-AFS) -- Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. ">faith</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyrion (N-AMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">Lord</a> <a href="/greek/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsoun (N-AMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/26.htm" title="26: agapēn (N-AFS) -- From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast.">love</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">for</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pantas (Adj-AMP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">all</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/40.htm" title="40: hagious (Adj-AMP) -- Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred.">saints.</a> 6I pray that your partnership in the faith may become effective as you fully acknowledge every good thing that is ours in Christ.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/colossians/1-4.htm">Colossians 1:4</a> because we have heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all the saints— <a href="/ephesians/1-15.htm">Ephesians 1:15</a> For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, <a href="/galatians/5-6.htm">Galatians 5:6</a> For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love. <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:3</a> and continually recalling before our God and Father your work of faith, your labor of love, and your enduring hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. <a href="/1_john/3-14.htm">1 John 3:14</a> We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death. <a href="/hebrews/6-10.htm">Hebrews 6:10</a> For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so. <a href="/1_corinthians/13-13.htm">1 Corinthians 13:13</a> And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love. <a href="/2_thessalonians/1-3.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:3</a> We are obligated to thank God for you all the time, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing more and more, and your love for one another is increasing. <a href="/james/2-14.htm">James 2:14-17</a> What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? / Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that? ... <a href="/romans/1-8.htm">Romans 1:8</a> First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being proclaimed all over the world. <a href="/1_peter/1-22.htm">1 Peter 1:22</a> Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart. <a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37-39</a> Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ / This is the first and greatest commandment. / And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ <a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34-35</a> A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. / By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” <a href="/1_john/4-7.htm">1 John 4:7-8</a> Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. / Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. <a href="/1_john/4-20.htm">1 John 4:20-21</a> If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. / And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Hearing of your love and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;Hearing.<a href="/galatians/5-6.htm">Galatians 5:6</a> For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.<a href="/ephesians/1-15.htm">Ephesians 1:15</a> Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,<a href="/colossians/1-4.htm">Colossians 1:4</a> Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints,toward the Lord.<a href="/philemon/1-7.htm">Philemon 1:7</a> For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.<a href="/psalms/16-3.htm">Psalm 16:3</a> But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.<a href="/acts/9-39.htm">Acts 9:39-41</a> Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/philemon/1-1.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/philemon/1-2.htm">God's</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-17.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/2_timothy/4-4.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/philemon/1-3.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/titus/3-15.htm">Love</a> <a href="/titus/3-2.htm">Manifest</a> <a href="/titus/1-1.htm">Saints</a> <a href="/titus/3-4.htm">Towards</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philemon/1-6.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/philemon/1-7.htm">God's</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-7.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-2.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/philemon/1-6.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/philemon/1-7.htm">Love</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-13.htm">Manifest</a> <a href="/philemon/1-7.htm">Saints</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-2.htm">Towards</a><div class="vheading2">Philemon 1</div>1. <a href="/philemon/1-1.htm">Paul rejoices to hear of the faith and love of Philemon, </a> 8. <a href="/philemon/1-8.htm">whom he desires to forgive his servant Onesimus, and lovingly to receive him again.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philemon/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philemon/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/philemon/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus Paul is writing to Philemon, a leader in the Colossian church, from prison. The phrase "I hear" indicates that Paul is receiving reports about Philemon's faith, suggesting a strong reputation within the early Christian community. This faith is specifically in "the Lord Jesus," emphasizing the centrality of Christ in the believer's life. The term "Lord" denotes authority and divinity, affirming Jesus' position as the Messiah. This faith is not merely intellectual assent but a living trust and commitment to Jesus, which is foundational to Christian doctrine. The early church faced persecution, making such faith both a personal and communal testimony. This faith connects to <a href="/hebrews/11.htm">Hebrews 11:1</a>, which defines faith as confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.and your love for all the saints Philemon's love is directed towards "all the saints," indicating a comprehensive and inclusive affection for fellow believers. The term "saints" refers to those set apart for God, highlighting the communal aspect of the Christian faith. This love is agape, a selfless, sacrificial love that mirrors Christ's love for the church. In the cultural context of the Roman Empire, where social divisions were pronounced, such love was countercultural and a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. This love fulfills the commandment in <a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34-35</a>, where Jesus instructs His disciples to love one another as He has loved them, serving as a mark of true discipleship. The early church's practice of love and hospitality was crucial for its growth and unity, as seen in <a href="/acts/2-44.htm">Acts 2:44-47</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/philemon.htm">Philemon</a> A Christian leader in Colossae, likely a wealthy man who hosted a house church. The letter is addressed to him by the Apostle Paul. 2. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The Apostle who authored the letter to Philemon. He writes from prison, appealing to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus. 3. <a href="/topical/o/onesimus.htm">Onesimus</a> A slave who belonged to Philemon and had run away. He became a Christian through Paul's ministry and is the subject of Paul's appeal. 4. <a href="/topical/c/colossae.htm">Colossae</a> The city where Philemon lived and where the church met in his home. It was a significant city in the Roman province of Asia. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_church.htm">The Church</a> The body of believers meeting in Philemon's house, representing the early Christian community and its dynamics.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/faith_and_love_as_hallmarks_of_christian_life.htm">Faith and Love as Hallmarks of Christian Life</a> <a href="/philemon/1-5.htm">Philemon 1:5</a> highlights the importance of faith in the Lord Jesus and love for all the saints. These are essential characteristics of a mature Christian life. <a href="/topical/t/the_interconnectedness_of_faith_and_love.htm">The Interconnectedness of Faith and Love</a> True faith in Christ naturally expresses itself in love for others. This connection is vital for personal spiritual growth and community building. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_a_good_testimony.htm">The Power of a Good Testimony</a> Philemon's reputation for faith and love had reached Paul, demonstrating the impact of living out one's faith authentically. <a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_community.htm">Encouragement in Community</a> Paul's acknowledgment of Philemon's faith and love serves as an encouragement to continue in these virtues, reminding us to encourage one another in our spiritual journeys. <a href="/topical/p/practical_love_in_action.htm">Practical Love in Action</a> The love Philemon is known for is not just an emotion but is demonstrated through actions that benefit the community of believers.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_philemon_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Philemon 1</a> <a href="/q/who_were_the_midianites_in_the_bible.htm">How does Philemon demonstrate forgiveness and reconciliation?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_signs_of_saving_faith.htm">What are the signs of saving faith?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_philemon_show_forgiveness.htm">How does Philemon demonstrate forgiveness and reconciliation?</a> <a href="/q/philemon__why_doesn't_paul_reject_slavery.htm">Philemon 1:3-7 - How do we reconcile Paul's pleas for Christian love with his failure to explicitly reject the institution of slavery?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/philemon/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) Thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints.--This description of a faith directed not only to the Lord Jesus, but to all the saints, has perplexed commentators, and called out various explanations. (1) One is that "faith" here (as in <a href="/romans/3-3.htm" title="For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?">Romans 3:3</a>; <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm" title="But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,">Galatians 5:22</a>) is simply fidelity; but this can hardly be accepted as an explanation of so well-known and almost technical a phrase as "faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ." (2) Another, noting the distinction in the original between the two prepositions here--the former (pros) signifying direction towards, and the latter (eis) actual contact with, its object--explains the phrase as signifying "the faith which has as its object the Lord Jesus Christ, but which shows itself practically towards all saints." But this, even if the word "hast" will bear this gloss, seems too artificial for such a Letter as this. (3) The comparison with the contemporaneous Letter to the Colossians--where we read, "your faith in the Lord Jesus, and your love toward all the saints" (<a href="/colossians/1-4.htm" title=" Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which you have to all the saints,">Colossians 1:4</a>)--seems to clear up the matter. We have here an equivalent phrase, in which, however (by what the grammarians called chiasmus), the extremes and means correspond to each other. The idea which runs through the Letter is Philemon's "love to the saints." In writing of that love St. Paul cannot refrain from (4) referring it to its true origin--the faith towards the Lord Jesus Christ. Hence the broken phrase. The sense seems therefore to be that which in some MSS. has been brought out by a natural correction, "thy faith towards the Lord Jesus, and thy love to all the saints."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philemon/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - Hearing of thy love, and of the faith ... saints. He would hear of these instances of Philemon's faith and love naturally through Epaphras (see on Ver. 2). Refer "faith" to "the Lord Jesus" and "love" to "all the saints" (a chiasmus, or cross-reference). Note that the phrase is πρὸς (i.e. erga, towards) τὸν Κύριον, but εἰς (i.e. upon) τοὺς ἁγίους; perhaps because Christ cannot now be reached by bodily efforts, but only aspired towards by the soul; while the poor can actually be reached and ministered unto. "Ye have the poor always with you, but me ye have not always" (<a href="/matthew/26-11.htm">Matthew 26:11</a>). All Christians are called "saints" in the Scriptures, as <a href="/ephesians/1-1.htm">Ephesians 1:1</a>, and invariably. What a reminder to them of their "holy calling" (<a href="/2_timothy/1-9.htm">2 Timothy 1:9</a>)! Meyer notes, however, that it is not uncommon with St. Paul to vary the preposition (<a href="/romans/3-20.htm">Romans 3:20</a>; <a href="/galatians/2-16.htm">Galatians 2:16</a>). <a href="/commentaries/philemon/1-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>because I hear about ἀκούων (akouōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. your ἔχεις (echeis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. faith πίστιν (pistin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4102.htm">Strong's 4102: </a> Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. in πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. the τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Lord Κύριον (Kyrion) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. Jesus Ἰησοῦν (Iēsoun) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. love ἀγάπην (agapēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_26.htm">Strong's 26: </a> From agapao; love, i.e. Affection or benevolence; specially a love-feast. for εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. all πάντας (pantas) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. the τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. saints. ἁγίους (hagious) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> Set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred. From hagos; sacred. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/philemon/1-5.htm">Philemon 1:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/philemon/1-5.htm">Philemon 1:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/philemon/1-5.htm">Philemon 1:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/philemon/1-5.htm">Philemon 1:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/philemon/1-5.htm">Philemon 1:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/philemon/1-5.htm">Philemon 1:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/philemon/1-5.htm">Philemon 1:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/philemon/1-5.htm">Philemon 1:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/philemon/1-5.htm">Philemon 1:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/philemon/1-5.htm">Philemon 1:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/philemon/1-5.htm">NT Letters: Philemon 1:5 Hearing of your love and (Phm Phl) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/philemon/1-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Philemon 1:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Philemon 1:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/philemon/1-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Philemon 1:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Philemon 1:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>