Bible Strands
Philemon 1:6
I pray that your partnership in the faith may become effective as you fully acknowledge every good thing that is ours in Christ.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Philemon, a fellow worker, while imprisoned to address the state of his spiritual life. He frames his request as a prayer for Philemon's relational and doctrinal engagement to mature.
The words — κοινωνία (koinōnia) translates to partnership or fellowship, and ἐνεργής (energēs) means effective or active. The syntax links these terms to show that partnership must produce tangible results.
The thread — The prayer pattern appears in Paul’s intercession for Philemon’s love to increase with insight (Philippians 1:9) and for believers to be filled with knowledge of God’s will (Colossians 1:9). The same emphasis on active spiritual vitality appears in the warning against being ineffective (2 Peter 1:8).
Why it lands — The text demands that a reader treat partnership in faith as a working reality that actively recognizes Christ’s provision. It requires moving from passive belief to conscious participation in the spiritual blessings already secured.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
Cross-references
- Philippians 1:9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
- 2 Peter 1:8 For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Colossians 1:9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
- Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
- 1 Peter 1:5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
- 2 Corinthians 9:12 For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God.
- Titus 3:14 And our people must also learn to devote themselves to good works in order to meet the pressing needs of others, so that they will not be unfruitful.
- James 2:14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
- James 2:17 So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.
- 1 Peter 2:12 Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.