I always thank my God
This phrase reflects the Apostle Paul's consistent practice of gratitude and prayer. Paul often begins his letters with thanksgiving, which is a common feature in his epistles (e.g., Romans 1:8, 1 Corinthians 1:4, Philippians 1:3). This practice underscores the importance of gratitude in the Christian life, emphasizing a personal relationship with God. The use of "my God" indicates a personal and intimate connection with the divine, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and believers. This phrase also sets the tone for the letter, highlighting the positive and affectionate relationship Paul has with Philemon.

remembering you in my prayers
Paul's remembrance of Philemon in his prayers indicates the deep bond and fellowship shared among early Christians. This practice of intercessory prayer is a key aspect of Christian community life, as seen in other scriptures like Ephesians 1:16 and Colossians 1:3. It reflects the communal nature of the early church, where believers supported one another spiritually. The act of remembering in prayer also suggests a continuous and ongoing commitment to Philemon's well-being and spiritual growth. This phrase highlights the importance of prayer in maintaining and strengthening relationships within the body of Christ.

1. Paul
The apostle who authored the letter to Philemon. He is writing from prison, demonstrating his commitment to the ministry even in difficult circumstances.

2. Philemon
A Christian leader and the primary recipient of the letter. He is known for his love and faith, and he hosts a church in his home.

3. God
The object of Paul's thanksgiving, highlighting the centrality of God in Paul's life and ministry.

4. Prayer
A significant practice in Paul's life, reflecting his dependence on God and his pastoral care for others.

5. Thanksgiving
An expression of gratitude, which is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, showing his appreciation for the work of God in the lives of believers.The Importance of Thanksgiving
Cultivate a heart of gratitude by regularly thanking God for the people He has placed in your life.

The Power of Prayer
Make prayer a consistent practice, interceding for others and seeking God's guidance and blessing in their lives.

Remembering Others in Prayer
Develop a habit of remembering others in your prayers, acknowledging their contributions to your spiritual journey.

The Role of Encouragement
Use your words to encourage and uplift others, as Paul does with Philemon, recognizing their faith and love.

The Example of Paul
Follow Paul's example of maintaining a positive and thankful attitude, even in challenging circumstances.(4) I thank my God . . .--Note the almost exact verbal coincidence with the salutations in Ephesians 1:15-16; Philippians 1:3-4; Colossians 1:3-4, with, however, the natural distinction that this is briefer and simpler in style.

Verse 4. - I thank my God always. We ought, therefore, to thank God, not only for gifts bestowed upon ourselves, but also for those bestowed upon others. This is an habitual phrase of St. Paul (comp. Romans 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:4; Ephesians 1:16; Philippians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:3). "It is to be noted that for the thing on account of which he gives thanks, he at the same time prays" (Calvin). For no good work is ever so complete in us that it does not need to be "continued and ended" in us by God. Making mention of thee in my prayers. The foregoing remark attain applies. Grotius observes that "we learn from this that all addresses to God may be called prayers προσευχὰς, even those in which nothing is asked but thanks are given." But this is apparently not such a case; the petition which St. Paul offered for Philemon being stated in Ver. 6. And thus Chrysostom explains the passage. "Always" may be connected with "I thank," or with "making mention," preferably the former (Chrysostom, Theophylact, Calvin, Lightfoot).

Parallel Commentaries ...


I always thank
Εὐχαριστῶ (Eucharistō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2168: From eucharistos; to be grateful, i.e. to express gratitude; specially, to say grace at a meal.

my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

God,
Θεῷ (Theō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

making
ποιούμενος (poioumenos)
Verb - Present Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4160: (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.

mention
μνείαν (mneian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3417: Remembrance, recollection, mention; commemoration. From mnaomai or mimnesko; recollection; by implication, recital.

of you
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

in
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

prayers,
προσευχῶν (proseuchōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 4335: From proseuchomai; prayer; by implication, an oratory.


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NT Letters: Philemon 1:4 I thank my God always making mention (Phm Phl)