Philemon 1:6 – Sharing Your Faith: How Active Witness Deepens Your Understanding of Christ

Have you ever noticed that the more you teach something, the better you understand it? The more you explain a concept, the clearer it becomes in your own mind? This isn’t just a learning principle—it’s a spiritual reality embedded in the Christian life.

Philemon 1:6 reveals a profound truth that most believers never discover: The act of sharing your faith doesn’t just help others—it transforms you. When you actively share what you believe, you gain a fuller, richer, deeper understanding of the blessings you have in Christ.

This short verse in Paul’s smallest letter contains a life-changing principle for spiritual growth: Faith that is shared becomes faith that is understood. Faith kept private remains shallow. Faith given away multiplies and deepens.

Whether you consider yourself an evangelist or someone who struggles to speak about Jesus, this verse will challenge and encourage you. Let us explore together how sharing your faith is the key to deepening your understanding of Christ.

The Complete Scripture: Philemon 1:6 (NIV)

“I pray that your partnership in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.”
— Philemon 1:6 (NIV)

Other translations render this verse with varying emphasis:

• ESV: “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.”
• KJV: “That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.”
• NASB: “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.”
• NLT: “And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.”

The core message is clear: Active sharing of faith leads to deeper understanding of Christ’s blessings.

Context: Paul’s Letter to Philemon

Who Was Philemon?

Philemon was a wealthy Christian in Colossae (modern-day Turkey) who:

• Hosted a church in his home (Philemon 1:2)
• Was converted under Paul’s ministry (Philemon 1:19)
• Had a reputation for love and faith (Philemon 1:5)
• Owned slaves, including Onesimus (the subject of the letter)

Philemon was a respected leader in the early church, known for his generosity and faithfulness.

The Story Behind the Letter

This letter is unique in the New Testament—it’s a personal appeal about a runaway slave named Onesimus.

The backstory:

1. Onesimus, Philemon’s slave, ran away (possibly stealing from Philemon—Philemon 1:18)
2. Onesimus ended up in Rome, where Paul was imprisoned
3. Paul led Onesimus to Christ (Philemon 1:10)
4. Onesimus became valuable to Paul’s ministry (Philemon 1:11-13)
5. Paul sent Onesimus back to Philemon with this letter
6. Paul urged Philemon to receive Onesimus not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ (Philemon 1:16)

This letter is a masterclass in Christian reconciliation, forgiveness, and the transforming power of the Gospel.

Paul wrote it around AD 60-62 from Rome, during his first imprisonment.

Why This Verse Matters for Every Believer

Philemon 1:6 appears early in the letter as part of Paul’s prayer and thanksgiving for Philemon (verses 4-7).

Paul isn’t just making small talk—he’s laying a theological foundation for the difficult request he’s about to make (freeing and accepting Onesimus).

Paul’s point: Philemon, your faith has been active in sharing. Because of that, you deeply understand what we have in Christ—including forgiveness, reconciliation, and equality in the Body of Christ. Now live out what you understand.

This verse is for every believer because it reveals that spiritual maturity comes through active witness.

Breaking Down Philemon 1:6: The Relationship Between Sharing and Understanding

“I pray that your partnership in the faith”

Greek: ἡ κοινωνία τῆς πίστεώς σου (hē koinōnia tēs pisteōs sou)

“Partnership” (koinonia) is a rich word meaning:

• Fellowship, communion, sharing
• Participation, partnership
• Active involvement, not passive observation

The same word is used in:

• Acts 2:42 – “They devoted themselves to… fellowship”
• 1 John 1:3 – “Our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ”
• Philippians 1:5 – “Your partnership in the gospel”

“In the faith” (tēs pisteōs) can mean:

• Your personal faith in Christ
• The Christian faith (the body of beliefs)
• Both—your personal trust and your shared beliefs

Paul is praying about Philemon’s active participation in faith—both personally believing and actively sharing with others.

“May be effective”

Greek: ἐνεργὴς γένηται (energēs genētai)

“Effective” (energēs) means:

• Active, powerful, productive
• Producing results
• From the same root as the English word “energy”

Paul prays that Philemon’s faith-sharing wouldn’t be passive or theoretical, but active and impactful.

This is a prayer for fruitfulness in witness.

“In deepening your understanding”

Greek: εἰς ἐπίγνωσιν (eis epignōsin)

“Understanding” (epignōsis) means:

• Full knowledge, precise and correct knowledge
• Experiential understanding, not just intellectual awareness
• Recognition, discernment

This is deeper than head knowledge (gnōsis)—it’s intimate, experiential, transformative knowledge.

The same word appears in:

• Colossians 1:9 – “Filled with the knowledge of his will”
• Ephesians 1:17 – “The Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better”
• 2 Peter 1:3 – “Through our knowledge of him who called us”

“Of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ”

Greek: παντὸς ἀγαθοῦ τοῦ ἐν ἡμῖν εἰς Χριστόν (pantos agathou tou en hēmin eis Christon)

“Every good thing” includes:

• Salvation (Ephesians 2:8)
• Forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7)
• Adoption as children (Romans 8:15)
• Peace with God (Romans 5:1)
• The indwelling Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19)
• Eternal life (John 3:16)
• Union with Christ (Galatians 2:20)
• Every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3)

“We share” (en hēmin) – These blessings are common to all believers. We don’t possess them individually but corporately in Christ.

“For the sake of Christ” (eis Christon) – All blessings exist because of Christ, through Christ, and for Christ’s glory.

The Paradox: You Learn by Teaching, You Grow by Giving

Why Sharing Faith Deepens Understanding

It seems backward: Shouldn’t you fully understand before you share?

The biblical reality: Sharing is the pathway to understanding.

Why does this work?

1. Teaching forces clarity – You can’t explain what you don’t understand
2. Questions expose gaps – Listeners ask things you’ve never considered
3. Application requires depth – Sharing faith requires moving beyond theory
4. Witness invites the Spirit – God gives wisdom to those who step out in faith (James 1:5)
5. Repetition reinforces truth – Every time you share the Gospel, it becomes clearer to you

Proverbs 11:25 – “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Luke 6:38 – “Give, and it will be given to you… For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

The Spiritual Principle of Active Learning

Modern education research confirms what Scripture teaches: Active learning (teaching, discussing, applying) produces 90% retention, while passive learning (listening, reading) produces only 10-20% retention.

Spiritually:

• Passive faith – Attending church, listening to sermons, reading devotionals
• Active faith – Teaching, witnessing, serving, sharing, applying

Both are important, but active faith transforms.

James 1:22 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

Biblical Examples of Growth Through Sharing

The Samaritan Woman (John 4:28-30, 39-42)

• She met Jesus and immediately went to share
• Her simple testimony brought many to Christ
• Through sharing, her own understanding of Jesus deepened (from “a Jew” to “a prophet” to “the Messiah”)

Peter at Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41)

• Peter preached his first sermon
• 3,000 were saved
• Peter’s boldness and clarity grew through the act of preaching

Paul (Acts 9:20-22)

• Immediately after conversion, Paul began to preach
• “Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah”
• Paul’s theological understanding exploded as he proclaimed Christ

What Does “Active Sharing” Look Like?

It’s Not Just for Pastors and Missionaries

Every Christian is called to share faith:

Matthew 28:19-20 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

Acts 8:4 – “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.”

You don’t need a seminary degree or a title—just a testimony and a willingness to share.

Everyday Opportunities to Share Faith

At work:

• Live with integrity that makes people curious
• Pray for coworkers (let them know you’re praying)
• Share how God helped you through a challenge

At home:

• Disciple your children (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
• Invite neighbors to church or a Christian event
• Be the “go-to” person for spiritual questions

In your community:

• Serve at a food bank or crisis pregnancy center
• Join a neighborhood group and be a light
• Invite friends to a Bible study

Online:

• Share Scripture on social media
• Write about God’s faithfulness
• Engage respectfully with seekers’ questions

Different Ways to Be Active in Sharing

Not everyone shares the same way:

1. Proclamation – Preaching, teaching, public evangelism (like Peter)
2. Personal testimony – Sharing your story of transformation (like the blind man in John 9)
3. Acts of service – Demonstrating Christ’s love through deeds (like Dorcas in Acts 9:36)
4. Hospitality – Opening your home for Gospel conversations (like Lydia in Acts 16:15)
5. Writing – Blogs, letters, books that point to Christ (like Paul’s epistles)
6. One-on-one discipleship – Mentoring younger believers (like Barnabas with Paul)

Find your strengths and use them for Christ.

“Every Good Thing We Share in Christ”

The Blessings We Have in Christ

Ephesians 1:3 – “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”

What do we have in Christ?

• Forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:14)
• Justification (Romans 5:1)
• Adoption as God’s children (Galatians 4:5)
• The Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14)
• Eternal life (John 3:16)
• Access to God (Ephesians 2:18)
• Freedom from condemnation (Romans 8:1)
• A future inheritance (1 Peter 1:4)
• Peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7)
• Joy unspeakable (1 Peter 1:8)

When you share your faith, you’re not sharing rules or religion—you’re sharing treasure.

Understanding What You Possess

Many Christians live in spiritual poverty despite being heirs of God (Romans 8:17).

Why? They don’t fully understand what they have in Christ.

Philemon 1:6 reveals the solution: Share what you have, and you’ll understand it more deeply.

Illustration:

• A person inherits a fortune but never opens the bank account
• They live like paupers while sitting on riches

Sharing your faith forces you to open the “account” and explore the wealth of Christ.

From Head Knowledge to Heart Knowledge

Head knowledge (gnōsis) = “I believe Jesus died for sins.”

Heart knowledge (epignōsis) = “I am overwhelmed by the love of Christ who died for me, and I cannot keep silent.”

Sharing your faith bridges the gap between knowing about Christ and knowing Christ Himself.

How Sharing Your Faith Transforms You

It Forces You to Clarify What You Believe

When someone asks, “Why are you a Christian?” you can’t give a vague answer.

You must think through:

• Why do I believe the Bible?
• What makes Jesus different from other religious leaders?
• How do I know Christianity is true?

This process deepens your faith.

It Reveals Gaps in Your Understanding

Someone asks a question you can’t answer:

• “If God is good, why is there suffering?”
• “What about people who never heard the Gospel?”
• “How do you know the Bible hasn’t been changed?”

These gaps aren’t weaknesses—they’re opportunities to grow.

1 Peter 3:15 – “Always be prepared to give an answer… But do this with gentleness and respect.”

When you encounter a question you can’t answer:

1. Admit it honestly – “That’s a great question. I don’t know, but I’d love to find out.”
2. Research the answer – Study Scripture, ask mature believers, read apologetics
3. Follow up – Return with an answer

Each question makes you stronger.

It Increases Your Dependence on the Holy Spirit

Matthew 10:19-20 – “But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”

When you step out in faith to share:

• You realize you can’t do this in your own power
• You cry out for the Holy Spirit’s help
• You experience supernatural boldness, wisdom, and words

This dependence transforms you.

It Deepens Your Love for Christ

The more you talk about Jesus, the more you love Him.

Psalm 34:1 – “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.”

Luke 6:45 – “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

Sharing your faith is both cause and effect of loving Christ:

• You share because you love Him
• You love Him more because you share

Overcoming Common Obstacles to Sharing Faith

“I Don’t Know Enough”

Response: No one knows everything. Share what you know.

John 9:25 – The blind man healed by Jesus said, “One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”

He didn’t have a theology degree. He just shared his experience.

Start with:

• Your testimony (what Christ has done for you)
• The simple Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
• A favorite verse

You don’t need to know everything—just share what you know.

“I’m Afraid of Rejection”

Response: Rejection is normal. Even Jesus was rejected.

John 1:11 – “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.”

Matthew 10:24-25 – “The student is not above the teacher… If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household!”

Remember:

• When people reject the Gospel, they’re rejecting Christ, not you
• Your job is to plant seeds, not force conversions (1 Corinthians 3:6)
• God calls you to faithfulness, not success

2 Timothy 4:2 – “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season.”

“I Don’t Want to Be Pushy”

Response: There’s a difference between being pushy and being faithful.

Pushy:

• Manipulative tactics
• Guilt trips
• Badgering people who’ve said no

Faithful:

• Speaking truth with love (Ephesians 4:15)
• Respecting people’s freedom (no one forced the rich young ruler—Matthew 19:22)
• Being bold but kind (1 Peter 3:15)

Acts 17:2 – Paul “reasoned with them from the Scriptures.”

Reasoning, explaining, inviting—not forcing.

“What If They Ask Questions I Can’t Answer?”

Response: Admit you don’t know, and find the answer together.

Honesty builds trust.

Say:

• “That’s a great question. I don’t have a good answer right now, but I’d love to research it and get back to you.”
• “I’m not sure, but let’s look it up together.”
• “I don’t know everything, but I know Jesus has changed my life.”

Then:

• Study the answer (use resources like GotQuestions.org, Christian apologetics books)
• Ask your pastor or a mature believer
• Follow up with the person

Every question is an opportunity to grow.

Practical Ways to Be Active in Sharing Your Faith

Start With Your Story (Testimony)

Your testimony is powerful because no one can argue with your experience.

Structure:

1. Before Christ – What was your life like?
2. Meeting Christ – How did you come to faith?
3. After Christ – How has He changed you?

Keep it:

• Short (3-5 minutes)
• Christ-centered (not about you, but about Him)
• Relatable (avoid Christian jargon)

Acts 26 – Paul’s testimony before King Agrippa follows this structure.

Live a Life That Makes People Curious

Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

1 Peter 2:12 – “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”

When people see:

• Joy in trials
• Integrity in business
• Forgiveness when wronged
• Peace in chaos

They ask: “Why are you different?”

That’s your opening.

Ask Good Questions and Listen

Evangelism is not a monologue—it’s a conversation.

Good questions:

• “What do you think happens after we die?”
• “Do you have any spiritual background?”
• “Have you ever read the Bible?”
• “What do you think about Jesus?”

Then listen.

James 1:19 – “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak.”

Listening shows respect and reveals where people are spiritually.

Share Scripture, Not Just Opinions

Isaiah 55:11 – “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire.”

Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword.”

The Bible has power your opinions don’t.

Instead of: “I think you should believe in God.”

Say: “The Bible says, ‘God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3:16).”

Pray for Opportunities and Boldness

Colossians 4:3-4 – “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ… Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.”

Ephesians 6:19 – “Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel.”

Daily prayer:

• “Lord, give me an opportunity to share You today.”
• “Give me boldness to speak when You open the door.”
• “Give me the right words to say.”

Then watch for God’s answers.

The Connection Between Faith and Fellowship

“Partnership in the Faith” Explained

Koinonia (partnership/fellowship) means sharing life together in Christ.

This includes:

• Worshiping together (Hebrews 10:24-25)
• Encouraging one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
• Bearing each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2)
• Sharing resources (Acts 2:44-45)
• Proclaiming the Gospel together (Philippians 1:5)

Sharing your faith is not solo—it’s communal.

How Community Strengthens Witness

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

Acts 13:2 – “The Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul…’ So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.”

Paul never ministered alone. He always had companions (Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, Luke, Titus).

How community helps:

• Accountability – “Did you share your faith this week?”
• Encouragement – “Don’t give up!”
• Training – Learning from more experienced believers
• Prayer support – Others praying for your witness

Encouraging Others to Share

2 Timothy 2:2 – “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”

Discipleship multiplies:

• You share → They believe → You disciple them → They share → Others believe

This is how the Gospel spreads.

Biblical Examples of Faith Sharing

The Woman at the Well

John 4:28-30, 39-42

What happened:

• Jesus revealed her sin and offered living water
• She immediately left her water jar and ran to town
• She said, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?”
• Many Samaritans believed because of her testimony

Lessons:

• She didn’t wait until she “knew enough”
• She simply shared what she experienced
• Her simple testimony brought a harvest

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

Acts 8:26-40

What happened:

• The Holy Spirit led Philip to a chariot
• An Ethiopian official was reading Isaiah but didn’t understand
• Philip explained the Gospel from that passage
• The man believed and was baptized

Lessons:

• Be led by the Spirit to divine appointments
• Start where people are (the Ethiopian was already reading Scripture)
• Clearly explain Jesus from the Bible

Paul’s Missionary Journeys

Acts 13-28

What happened:

• Paul traveled across the Roman Empire preaching Christ
• He reasoned in synagogues, debated philosophers, planted churches
• He faced beatings, imprisonment, shipwreck—yet never stopped

Lessons:

• Sharing faith requires sacrifice
• God uses our witness despite opposition
• Faithfulness matters more than comfort

The Eternal Impact of Sharing Your Faith

Souls Saved for Eternity

Daniel 12:3 – “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.”

Romans 10:14-15 – “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?… How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Every person you lead to Christ:

• Is rescued from hell
• Receives eternal life
• Becomes a child of God

This is the highest calling imaginable.

Ripple Effects You’ll Never See

You share the Gospel → They believe → They share → Others believe → The cycle continues

You may never know:

• The missionary inspired by your testimony
• The pastor mentored by someone you led to Christ
• The generations of believers stemming from your witness

1 Corinthians 3:6 – “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”

You’re part of a chain reaction for eternity.

Treasures in Heaven

Matthew 6:19-20 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”

Luke 16:9 – “Use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.”

Every Gospel conversation is an eternal investment.

Related Bible Verses on Sharing Faith

On Evangelism:

• Matthew 28:19-20 – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
• Mark 16:15 – “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
• Acts 1:8 – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

On Boldness:

• Acts 4:29 – “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.”
• Romans 1:16 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:20 – “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”

On the Power of Testimony:

• Psalm 107:2 – “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.”
• Revelation 12:11 – “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”

A Prayer for Boldness in Sharing

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for saving me by Your grace. Thank You for every spiritual blessing I have in Christ—forgiveness, adoption, the Holy Spirit, eternal life, and so much more.

Forgive me for keeping these treasures to myself. Forgive me for being silent when I should have spoken. Forgive me for fearing rejection more than I’ve feared Your displeasure. Forgive me for living a self-centered faith instead of an others-focused mission.

Lord, I pray that my partnership in the faith would be effective in deepening my understanding of every good thing I have in Christ. Help me to share actively, boldly, and lovingly. Give me divine appointments with people who are searching for truth. Open doors of conversation. Give me wisdom, clarity, and the right words to say.

Fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I speak with power. Give me love for the lost like You have. Break my heart for those headed to eternity without You. Let me see people the way You see them—precious, loved, and in need of a Savior.

Help me to be faithful, not just successful. Help me to plant seeds, trusting You for the harvest. Let my life shine so brightly that people are curious about the source of my joy, peace, and hope.

Use me, Lord, for Your glory. Let my testimony point others to Jesus. And as I share, deepen my understanding of You. Transform me through the act of witness. Make me more like Christ with every conversation.