Philemon 1:15

15 Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might 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 wanted to keep him with me, so that he might be of service to me in your place during my imprisonment for the gospel;

14 but I preferred to do nothing without your consent, in order that your good deed might be voluntary and not something forced.

15 Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back forever,

16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

17 So if you consider me your partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.