Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Philemon 1:6

"that the fellowship of thy faith may become effectual, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in you, unto Christ." — Philemon 1:6 (ASV)

At this point, Paul’s prayer begins. It is not easy to translate, but he is most likely praying that Philemon’s active participation in the faith will be made effective because of his understanding of God’s goodness to both of them. As Paul repeatedly suggests, true knowledge of the faith precedes good works (cf. Colossians 1:9–10).