Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Philemon 1:7

"For I had much joy and comfort in thy love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother." — Philemon 1:7 (ASV)

Paul has been repeatedly impressed by the expressions of Philemon’s love; they have brought him much joy and comfort. This verse justifies Paul’s expansive use of the phrases “full understanding” and “every good thing” in v.6. That is, he is praying for great Christian maturity in his brother. The implication is that this maturity will find expression in Philemon’s treatment of Onesimus.