I have long loved Philemon 6..."I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ." I have always preferred the way that the NIV translates this jewel in God's Word. However, after much study in past years I acknowledge that each translation is backed by sound scholars and translators. The wonderful thing is that it really does not matter how you translate this beautiful passage it still packs a powerful punch either direction. I imagine that our heavenly Father, through HIS providential care perfectly orchestrated this tension in the translation. Read through the following translations and meet me at the end!
ESV Philemon 1:6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.
NAU Philemon 1:6 and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ's sake.
NIV Philemon 1:6 I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.
NKJ Philemon 1:6 that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
NLT Philemon 1:6 You are generous because of your faith. And I am praying that you will really put your generosity to work, for in so doing you will come to an understanding of all the good things we can do for Christ.
The way it is rendered in the NIV you understand that when you share your faith in Christ with someone...the actual act of sharing opens up your understanding more fully of every good things that we have in Christ! EVERY true child of God that has shared their faith would agree that this is true! As you share Jesus with people your own faith is strengthened and the riches of the glory of HIS inheritance become more real! If you have not experienced this get out there and tell someone about Jesus and you will!
The NAU and others render the verse as the "fellowship of your faith" or the "sharing of your faith" may become EFFECTIVE through the knowledge, or knowing every good thing we have in Christ. Again, EVERY true child of God will acknowledge that as we are "filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding" that there is a desire to run tell others about Jesus. The more clearly we see HIM with the eyes of faith, the more we behold HIS infinite beauty, the more you want others to see HIM too!
It is a little like you are the first one to come up over a hill and see a breath-taking sunset over a gorgeous landscape...captivated and awe-struck you make yourself momentarily look away to those behind you to encourage them to finish the hard climb, to hurry and behold the Sun before it sets. When you see and behold Jesus in all HIS magnificent beauty in HIS Word and in HIS creation you long for others to see HIM. Remember 2 Co 3:18? "We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." This is really awesome...when we are living this out, filled with the Spirit of Holiness, Christ becomes incarnate in us! All a mirror does is reflect what it is pointed at...right? WHAT ARE YOU POINTED AT? What are you beholding? What or who are you looking to for security, satisfaction, shelter? You and I will reflect what we behold...we become like what we worship! Fix and keep your eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith and HE will live HIS life through you.
How cool is it that both ways of translating this little verse show themselves to be true in our daily walk with the LORD! When you are faithful to share Jesus your heart is warmed and your own faith is strengthened and the more you fully understand through the knowledge of every good thing we have in Christ the more you desire and long to tell others about HIM! This flows out of a passion and a love for the one who gave HIS OWN life as a ransom for many!
It was no accident that Paul frequently prayed this for the Church!
Ephesians 1:18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
Php 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment,
Col 1:9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
Father in heaven work this out in our lives for YOUR glory and our JOY in YOU!
love,
m