Philemon 1:15

15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a brief period was so that you could have him back forever,

Philemon 1:15 Meaning and Commentary

Philemon 1:15

For perhaps he therefore departed for a season
The apostle in this clause seems to soften this business of Onesimus in running away from his master; he calls it not a running away, but a departure, an absence from him, and that but for a little while; and suggests that the hand of God might be in it; that there was an overruling providence that attended it, such as was in Joseph's going down into Egypt; and that this separation of Onesimus from his master, for a short time, was in order that they should come together again, and never part more, as follows:

that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
or during life, referring to the law in ( Exodus 21:6 ) or to all eternity, since they were in the same spiritual relation, partakers of the same grace, and had a right to the same heavenly inheritance, and should be together with Christ for evermore.

Philemon 1:15 In-Context

13 I would dearly have loved to keep him with me, in order for him to serve me in your place while I am in prison because of the Good News.

14 But I didn't want to do anything without your consent, so that the good you do for me may be voluntary and not forced.

15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a brief period was so that you could have him back forever,

16 no longer as a slave but as more than a slave, as a dear brother. And that he is, especially to me. But how much dearer he must be to you, both humanly and in union with the Lord!

17 So if you are in fellowship with me, receive him as you would me.