Philemon 1:15

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

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