Philemon 1:15

It may be that he was separated from you for an hour, for this reason, so that you might have him back for ever,

Open English Bible (US)

In The King James Version

For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;

In Context

14But I do not wish to do anything without your consent, because I want your generosity to be voluntary and not, as it were, compulsory.

16no longer as a slave, but as something better – a dearly loved friend and follower of the Lord, especially dear to me, and how much more so to you, not only as a person, but as your fellow Christian!

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Cross References

Genesis 45:5Do not be troubled nor angry with yourselves that you sold me here, because God sent me before you to preserve life.

Psalms 76:10The fiercest will praise you, to you will the remnant hold festival.

Acts 4:28yet only to do what you, by your power and of your own will, did long ago destine to be done.

Matthew Henry on Philemon 1:9-25

The Apostle's Plea for Onesimus; Salutations. ( a. d. 62.) 8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, 9 Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. 10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: 11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: 12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels: 13… Read the whole commentary →

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