Philemon 1:7

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.

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Summary

Philemon 1:7

For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

Great joy

3 John 1:3

The bowels

Philemon 1:20

2 Corinthians 7:13

2 Timothy 1:16

Bible References

Great joy

We continually remember, in the presence of our God and Father, the work produced by your faith, the labor prompted by your love, and your endurance motivated by your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

And because of this we also thank God continually that, when you people received the message of God, which you heard from us, you did not accept it as a message from [mere] human beings, but as it truly is, the message from God, which is at work in you believers.

For how can we thank God [enough] for you, in return for all the joy we have over you, in the presence of our God?

I was very happy when I learned that some of your children [i.e., members of the congregation] are living in [harmony with the] truth, just as we have been commanded to do by the Father.

For I was very happy when some of the brothers came and told me that you are being [faithful] to the truth [i.e., the word of God], and that you are living according to it, [as well].

The bowels

So, brother, I would like to have your help in [the fellowship of] the Lord; cheer me up in Christ [i.e., by welcoming Onesimus back on good terms].

So, we have been encouraged, and in addition to [our] encouragement, we were very glad that Titus was so happy [also], because you had refreshed his spirit.

[But], may the Lord grant mercy to Onesiphorus' family, for he cheered me up many times and was not ashamed of my [being in] chains.