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Philemon 1:15
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13 whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel.
14 But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, athat your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary.  
15 For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever,
16 no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the aflesh and in the Lord.  

Philemon’s Obedience Encouraged

17 If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me.
18 But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account.
19 I, Paul, am writing with my own ahand. I will repay—not to mention to you that you owe me even your own self besides.  
Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
<< Philemon 1:14   Philemon 1:16 >>


Philemon 1:15

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

 

<< Philemon 1:14   Philemon 1:16 >>

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