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Philemon 6 – Most Difficult Verse in Philemon
This might be the most difficult verse in Philemon. We must answer what “fellowship” (koinonia) means; whether the “faith” (pistis) is a personal belief or a metonymical use for steadfastness; and if the text should read “in you” or “in us.”
“Koinonia” is translated variously ‑ fellowship, contribution, communion, sharing ‑ in different versions and verses. The “koinonia” in this verse is not a theological, relational fellowship as in 1 John. This is obvious from the context of the sentence because it is not a state of being, but rather that which becomes “effective” through good works. This fellowship seems to be “a sharing of our faith by good works.”
The “Faith” is what is shared. But what is the “faith?” It must be the same as in v.5 We are either sharing our personal belief by our goods works, or we are sharing our fidelity to Christ by our good works. Whatever the meaning of “faith,” the verse is unaltered ‑ the knowledge of our good works results in others obtaining belief and/or increasing their steadfastness.
Our faith is to be effective (energes). This word is a common adjective, like energos. Papyri excerpts show it is used of a mill in working order and of plowed land. (ibid., Robertson, p.465.) Surely Paul agrees with James: Faith without works is dead (Jms.2:26).
The last question deals with a textual variance. The manuscripts differ on whether “humon” (plural you) or “hemon” (us) should be read. Each rendering has impressive scholarship in support. The simple fact that the translators of the KJV, NKJV, ASV, and NASB chose “you” is indeed weighty evidence. However, “us” also has backing from the RSV, NEB, NIV and many one man translations, paraphrases and commentaries.
Due to the manuscript differences, to have a better grasp, one needs to look at the personal pronouns that are used for the addressee. Verses 1‑3 are plural because Philemon, Apphia and others are addressed. In v.4, Paul starts his singular address to Philemon. Paul speaks of “you” (sing.) in my prayers; “your” (sing.) love; faith which “you” (sing.) have; and “your” (sing.) faith. Starting with v.4 and proceeding through v.21, there are only singular personal pronouns. Why would Paul switch to plural in the middle of v.4? Some have argued that “us” would include only Paul and Timothy. But why? If person “A” addresses person “B” and says “us” ‑ cannot that include person “B”? If the reading is “us” then Paul, Timothy, and Philemon (and consequently all Christians) would be included, for Christianity is the common denominator behind all “good things” (Jms.1:17). Because “us” is simply a broader extent of the same concept in “you“, whichever is correct the basic meaning stays the same ‑ good works are found in good people for the sake of our good Lord. If “you” is intended then the Christians in Colossae/Laodicea are meant.
Paul is saying that Philemon’s faith needs to be shared ‑ made effective ‑ through the knowledge of his goods works. We are supposed to “affect” others and make “known” every good thing by our faith. If this was obeyed, a three‑way benefit would have resulted: 1) “For Christ’s sake”; 2) “your” faith ‑ personal benefit; 3) “fellowship” ‑ sharing with others.
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