For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
The context indicates that Paul had received word of Philemon’s love and faith for both the Lord and the believers, and that he effectively communicated or demonstrated his faith through the many good works he had done. This demonstration of faith and love had refreshed the believers, and this testimony had brought joy and consolation to the Apostle.
Exactly what those good things were that were in Philemon is not specified. However, I am under the impression that the church in Colosse met in his house.[1]
Gill writes, “Meaning not only that their bellies were filled with food, for the phrase is used in Philemon 1:20[2] where that cannot be intended; but their hearts were filled with gladness, the load upon their spirits, the pressures upon their minds were removed, and they had an inward pleasure in their souls, and rest, refreshment, and comfort, through the liberal communications of Philemon to them; who did what he did cheerfully, so that it did their souls good, as well as their bodies; and in doing which, he acted the part of a brother in Christ.”
I believe the lack of detail is intentional from the Lord, because you and I, in our corrupt condition, might naturally assume that if we did only those specific things mentioned, we would have met our obligations for good works. The fact that we do not know exactly what "every good thing" in Philemon was opens the door for you and me to communicate every good thing that God places in our power to both the Lord and the brethren.
What good things God enables me to do and be may not be exactly the same as yours.
What good things God enables you to do and be may not be exactly the same as mine.
The point is not what the specific good thing is. The point is that it is freely given toward the Lord and toward the saints of God.
I may not know exactly what you can do to refresh the bowels of the saints, but my goal is to be a blessing to those who are members of the church in which God places me, and thereby to be a blessing to all those whose lives are touched through our church.
#FaithInAction #ServingTheSaints #BiblicalEncouragement #LoveAndGoodWorks #ChristianFellowship
Good Works in God’s Service: What Does It Mean to Refresh the Saints?
[1] Philemon 1:2 (KJV)
And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house
[2] Philemon 1:20 (KJV)
Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.
- What’s one way you can be a blessing to someone in your church this week
- Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
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