Philemon 1:15

15 For perhaps this is why he was separated [from you] for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently,

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 wanted to keep him with me, so that in my imprisonment for the gospel he might serve me in your place.

14 But I didn't want to do anything without your consent, so that your good deed might not be out of obligation, but of your own free will.

15 For perhaps this is why he was separated [from you] for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently,

16 no longer as a slave, but more than a slave-as a dearly loved brother. This is especially so to me, but even more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

17 So if you consider me a partner, accept him as you would me.