Philemon 1:20 Cross References - AUV

²⁰ So, brother, I would like to have your help in [the fellowship of] the Lord; cheer me up in Christ [i.e., by welcoming Onesimus back on good terms].

² For if I caused you sorrow, who can make me glad except the one I have grieved? [See verse 6].

⁴ I have great confidence in talking to you; I have great pride in you and I am full of encouragement [over you]. In all of our troubles I am overflowing with joy. ⁵ For even when we came to Macedonia we had no rest for our bodies. But we met with trouble on every hand. [There were] conflicts on the outside and fears within us. ⁶ But God, who comforts downhearted people, comforted us [also] by the arrival of Titus. ⁷ [We were comforted] not only by his presence, but also [by learning] that you comforted him. He [also] told us of your longing and grieving and concern for me, so that made me all the happier.

¹³ So, we have been encouraged, and in addition to [our] encouragement, we were very glad that Titus was so happy [also], because you had refreshed his spirit.

⁸ For God is my witness that I long to see you with the [same] affection that Christ Jesus has [for you].

¹ Is there anything to be encouraged about by being in [fellowship with] Christ? Is there any comfort from His love? Is there any sharing with the Holy Spirit? [Have you received] any affection and compassion [from Christ]? ² [Then] make me completely happy by being like-minded, having the same love [for one another], being united in spirit and having the same purpose.

¹ So, my dearly loved brothers, those whom I long to see, [who are] my [reason for] being glad and [who are] my crown of victory; stand firm in [your devotion to] the Lord, my dear ones.

¹⁹ For what is [the basis of] our hope, or joy, or crown of honor in the presence of the Lord Jesus when He comes back? [Note: By “crown” Paul alludes to the laurel wreath awarded to the victor in an athletic contest]. Will it not be you people? ²⁰ For you people are [indeed] our [occasion for] honor and joy.

⁷ So, brothers, through all of our distress and persecution, we were encouraged over you because of your faith, ⁸ for now we [really] live, if you [continue to] stand firm in [the service of] the Lord [i.e., Paul could enjoy life much more in knowing that the Thessalonians were living for the Lord faithfully]. ⁹ For how can we thank God [enough] for you, in return for all the joy we have over you, in the presence of our God?

⁷ For I have much joy and encouragement from [observing] your love, because you have cheered the hearts of the saints [i.e., God’s holy people], brother.

¹² [Now] I am sending him back to you in person, [as though he were] part of my very self.

¹⁷ [You should] obey your leaders [Note: This probably refers to church elders] and submit to their oversight, for they look out for [the welfare of] your souls as men who will give an accounting [for your spiritual progress]. [Be obedient], so that they will be able to do this joyfully and not with sorrow, for that would be unprofitable to you.

¹⁷ Now whoever has [a sufficient amount of] life’s possessions and [then] observes one of his [Christian] brothers who does not have enough to get by on, but does not feel sorry for him [i.e., enough to help him out], surely a love for God does not continue to live in that person’s heart.

⁴ I do not have any greater joy than to hear that my [spiritual] children are living according to the truth.