Philemon 1:15

15 for perhaps for this reason he has been separated [from thee] for a time, that thou mightest possess him fully for ever;

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 whom *I* was desirous of keeping with myself, that for thee he might minister to me in the bonds of the glad tidings;

14 but I have wished to do nothing without thy mind, that thy good might not be as of necessity but of willingness:

15 for perhaps for this reason he has been separated [from thee] for a time, that thou mightest possess him fully for ever;

16 not any longer as a bondman, but above a bondman, a beloved brother, specially to me, and how much rather to thee, both in [the] flesh and in [the] Lord?

17 If therefore thou holdest me to be a partner [with thee], receive him as me;