Fellowship With The Word
Philemon 1:6 KJV 'that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.'
23-09-2026
When we read the Bible, a common mistake is to think that every English word we see is exactly what was used in the original texts. As much as translation has been such a blessing in carrying God's message to the world, there has been no small division at a doctrinal level. It is mainly due to little to no diligence in proper Bible study. In the opening verse, for example, the word communication doesn't mean the same as our modern English word for speaking, writing, or exchanging a message. The Greek word used there is "Koinonia," which refers to a deep, intimate, active communion, fellowship, participation, partnership, or sharing. It communicates an intimately shared life. When considered in context, especially after reading the pretext (v5), Paul is speaking about the shared life of faith in and love for God. Sometimes, believers use this scripture to anchor the thought that "we must speak it to have it." There is a place for speaking, but not this verse. We can all agree that God wants to be understood for what he really meant, rather than what we think he meant. So this is something to renew our thinking about. The next important word in that verse is effectual which was translated correctly but without the proper weight or dynamic of the word. In English, effectual means "able to produce a desired effect." In Greek, the word is "energes" and means "inwardly and actively or powerfully working" (sometimes with outward or visible results) The final word is Acknowledge which in modern English means "to accept, admit, or recognize something. The Greek word used there is "epignosis," which is a very heavy word for knowledge. It means accurate, precise, full, and experiential knowledge and discernment that has a transformative effect. To bring everything Paul was saying in this verse into context, his prayer for Philemon was that, through accurate and full discernment of all the good things that are ours in Christ, the shared life of faith in and love for God may work powerfully in him (Philemon) to produce visible results. This is my prayer for everyone who reads this today or later. God wants your life of faith to produce results. And as you can see, bible study is neither optional nor passive. Please be intentional about your walk Prayer: Lord, I thank you for all the good things that are mine in Christ. Through knowledge, my faith is effective and always produces results. I grow in the full discernment of Christ everyday and i am transformed as i yield myself to your thought process. Amen!