Philemon 1:20

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Summary

Philemon 1:20

Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

Let me

Refresh

Bible References

Let me

For if I caused you sorrow, who can make me glad except the one I have grieved? [See verse 6].

I have great confidence in talking to you; I have great pride in you and I am full of encouragement [over you]. In all of our troubles I am overflowing with joy.

[Then] make me completely happy by being like-minded, having the same love [for one another], being united in spirit and having the same purpose.

So, my dearly loved brothers, those whom I long to see, [who are] my [reason for] being glad and [who are] my crown of victory; stand firm in [your devotion to] the Lord, my dear ones.

For what is [the basis of] our hope, or joy, or crown of honor in the presence of the Lord Jesus when He comes back? [Note: By "crown" Paul alludes to the laurel wreath awarded to the victor in an athletic contest]. Will it not be you people?

So, brothers, through all of our distress and persecution, we were encouraged over you because of your faith,

[You should] obey your leaders [Note: This probably refers to church elders] and submit to their oversight, for they look out for [the welfare of] your souls as men who will give an accounting [for your spiritual progress]. [Be obedient], so that they will be able to do this joyfully and not with sorrow, for that would be unprofitable to you.

I do not have any greater joy than to hear that my [spiritual] children are living according to the truth.

Refresh

For I have much joy and encouragement from [observing] your love, because you have cheered the hearts of the saints [i.e., God's holy people], brother.

For God is my witness that I long to see you with the [same] affection that Christ Jesus has [for you].

Is there anything to be encouraged about by being in [fellowship with] Christ? Is there any comfort from His love? Is there any sharing with the Holy Spirit? [Have you received] any affection and compassion [from Christ]?

Now whoever has [a sufficient amount of] life's possessions and [then] observes one of his [Christian] brothers who does not have enough to get by on, but does not feel sorry for him [i.e., enough to help him out], surely a love for God does not continue to live in that person's heart.