Paul asks, “refresh my heart in Christ.” Earlier he had said that the hearts of the saints “have been refreshed” through Philemon, echoing the same wording as part of his appeal (Philemon 1:7; Philemon 1:20).
Paul tells Philemon that he regularly thanks God for him and keeps mentioning him in prayer (Philemon 1:4). The reason is what Paul has been hearing about Philemon’s love and his loyalty toward the Lord Jesus and toward God’s people (Philemon 1:5). These verses sit right after the letter’s opening greeting (Philemon 1:1–3) and before Paul’s main request about Onesimus (Philemon 1:8–16). Paul begins by voicing gratitude and prayer rather than jumping straight to the problem he wants addressed.
Paul presents Philemon as someone whose life is marked by both love and faith (verses 5, 7). Explicitly, Paul says he keeps thanking God and keeps bringing Philemon up in prayer (verse 4). The immediate reason for this gratitude is what Paul “hears” about Philemon (verse 5), suggesting Philemon’s reputation is known beyond his own house gathering.
A common mistake is to turn the wording into a slogan. The better reading keeps the phrase tied to the passage, the speaker, and the problem the book is addressing.
Start with Philemon 1:7, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
7For we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.