For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.
Philemon's love had shown itself in generous liberalities, and by that generosity the hearts of the saints had been refreshed. That love had brought great joy and consolation. On the ground of that past love the appeal is made for Philemon to likewise refresh the apostle's spirit by granting the plea concerning Onesimus. The joy and rejoicing sought is that Philemon would receive Onesimus as a brother.
Philemon's love had shown itself in generous liberalities, and by that generosity the hearts of the saints had been refreshed. That love had brought great joy and consolation. On the ground of that past love the appeal is made for Philemon to likewise refresh the apostle's spirit by granting the plea concerning Onesimus. The joy and rejoicing sought is that Philemon would receive Onesimus as a brother.