That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
That ... - the aim of my thanksgiving and prayers for thee, in order that the, etc. The communication of thy faith - the imparting of it and its fruits (namely, acts of love, as Hebrews 13:16) to others: or, the liberality to others flowing from thy faith [so koinoonia (G2842), "liberal distribution," 2 Corinthians 9:13. 'Aleph (') reads diakonia (G1248) for koinoonia (G2842); ministration.] Effectual by - Greek, 'IN:' the element in which his liberality may be proved by acts in, etc. Acknowledging, х epignoosei (G1922)] - 'the thorough knowledge;' i:e., the practical recognition. Of every good thing which is in you - in thee and the church in thy house, thine helpers in good works. Lest Philemon should be overpraised, Paul gives share of the credit to Philemon's helpers. So 'Aleph (') G g. But A C Delta f read 'in US;' i:e., the practical recognition of every grace which is in us Christians, in so far as we realize the Christian character. That thy faith may by acts be proved to be 'a faith which worketh by love.' In Christ Jesus, х eis (G1519)] - 'unto Christ Jesus;' i:e., to His glory. So C Delta G. But 'Aleph (') A omit "Jesus." This verse answers to Philemon 1:5, "thy love and faith ... toward all saints." Paul never ceases to mention him in his prayers, in order that his faith may still further show its power toward others, by exhibiting every grace that is in Christians to the glory of Christ. Thus he paves the way for the request for Onesimus.