Philemon 1:15

15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season from thee that thou mightest receive him again 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 would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered to me in the bands of the gospel.

14 But without thy counsel I would do nothing: that thy good deed might not be as it were of necessity, but voluntary.

15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season from thee that thou mightest receive him again for ever:

16 Not now as a servant, but instead of a servant, a most dear brother, especially to me. But how much more to thee, both in the flesh and in the Lord?

17 If therefore thou count me a partner, receive him as myself.