Matthew Henry Commentary Philemon 1:1-7

"Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, to Philemon our beloved and fellow-worker, and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow-soldier, and to the church in thy house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always, making mention of thee in my prayers, hearing of thy love, and of the faith which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints; that the fellowship of thy faith may become effectual, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in you, unto Christ. For I had much joy and comfort in thy love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother." — Philemon 1:1-7 (ASV)

Faith in Christ, and love for Him, should unite saints more closely than any outward relationship can unite the people of the world. Paul, in his private prayers, specifically remembered his friends.

We must remember Christian friends frequently, as their situations may require, keeping them in our thoughts and on our hearts before our God. Different opinions and practices in non-essential matters must not diminish affection among those united by the truth.

He inquired about his friends regarding the truth, growth, and fruitfulness of their graces, their faith in Christ, and love for Him and for all the saints. The good Philemon did was a source of joy and comfort to Paul and others, who therefore desired that Philemon would continue and abound in good fruits, more and more, to God's honor.