Philemon 1:15

15 Onesimus was separated from you for a little while. Maybe that was so you could have him back for good.

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. Then he could have taken your place in helping me while I'm being held by chains because of the good news.

14 But I didn't want to do anything unless you agreed. Any favor you do must be done because you want to do it, not because you have to.

15 Onesimus was separated from you for a little while. Maybe that was so you could have him back for good.

16 You could have him back not as a slave. Instead, he would be better than a slave. He would be a dear brother. He is very dear to me. But he is even more dear to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.

17 Do you think of me as a believer who works together with you? Then welcome Onesimus as you would welcome me.