Philemon 1:14

14 but I did not want to do anything without thy counsel, that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

Philemon 1:14 Meaning and Commentary

Philemon 1:14

But without thy mind would I do nothing
Which shows great modesty and humility in the apostle, that though as such he had an authority, which he could have used, as well as had understanding and judgment how to have used it without consulting Philemon, or having his sense of this affair, yet chose to consult him: and it also shows the strict regard the apostle had to equity and justice, that he would do nothing with another man's servant without his consent; he would not seem to alienate, or engross another man's right and property, whatever power he might have, as an apostle, to have retained Onesimus as a minister to him.

That thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but
willingly;
that is, that his goodness in forgiving his servant, and renouncing all claim and property in him, and admitting him to continue in the service of the apostle, might not look like a forced thing; but that it might appear to be a voluntary action, when he should of himself return him, after he had been thus sent to him, and received by him.

Philemon 1:14 In-Context

12 whom I send again unto thee; therefore, receive him, as you would receive me.

13 I desired to retain him with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel,

14 but I did not want to do anything without thy counsel, that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

15 Perhaps for this, he departed from you for a season, that thou should have him again forever,

16 not now as a slave, but above a slave, a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord.