Philemon 1:15

15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever—

Philemon 1:15 in Other Translations

15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;

15 For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever,

15 It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever.

15 Maybe it's all for the best that you lost him for a while. You're getting him back now for good -

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 would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel.

14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary.

15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever—

16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

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