Philemon 1:15

15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him back 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 I would have retained him with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the Gospel;

14 but without thy mind would I do nothing, that thy goodness should not be, as it were, of necessity but willingly.

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

16 not now as a servant, but more than a servant: as 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.