The answer is: His love and faith towards Jesus

v4-5

In the short letter of Philemon, the Apostle Paul paints a vivid picture of a man whose reputation as a loving and faithful follower of Jesus precedes him. Paul opens with praise for Philemon’s love and faith, a duo that serves as a cornerstone of what it means to be a true disciple. It’s not just about belief; it's about how that belief transforms relationships—the hallmark of faithful living.

This passionate expression of love highlights a key theme in the New Testament: the significance of community and personal interaction in faith journeys. Think about these members of the early Church writing letters to one another instead of swapping posts or texts. This epistle stands out as it demonstrates the power of personal connection; Philemon’s actions echo through the years and hint at the collective nature of belief. We see how faith is never just a personal affair, but rather something that radiates outward, affecting how we treat those around us.

Intriguingly, Philemon is often celebrated as a point in the evolution of the understanding of slavery in Christian thought. His challenge to embrace Onesimus not just as a slave but as a brother is a radical shift that connects love with social justice. In essence, Paul points to Philemon’s faith as transforming human relationships, underlining that our beliefs should naturally extend into the way we live and interact with our neighbors.