Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
perhaps—speaking in human fashion, yet as one believing that God's Providence probably (for we cannot dogmatically define the hidden purposes of God in providence) overruled the past evil to ultimately greater good to him. This thought would soften Philemon's indignation at Onesimus' past offense. So Joseph in Genesis 45:5.
departed—literally, "was parted from thee"; a softening term for "ran away," to mitigate Philemon's wrath.
receive him—Greek, "have him for thyself in full possession" (see on Philippians 4:18). The same Greek as in Matthew 6:2.
for ever—in this life and in that to come (compare Exodus 21:6). Onesimus' time of absence, however long, was but a short "hour" (so Greek) compared with the everlasting devotion henceforth binding him to his master.
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Philemon 1:15:
1 Corinthians 7:21
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