Chapter
1
Verse
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Philemon 1:15
ESV For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever,
NIV Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever—
NASB For perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever,
CSB For perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently,
NLT It seems you lost Onesimus for a little while so that you could have him back forever.
KJV For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
NKJV For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever,

What does Philemon 1:15 mean?

Verse 15 continues Paul's plea to Philemon to forgive Onesimus and set him free. It also adds a possible explanation behind Onesimus' escape. Paul chooses to say that Onesimus "separated," or "parted," from Philemon, rather than saying he "ran away." This was probably to soften the fact that Philemon was a runaway slave subject to legal punishment. These words reflect Paul's teaching that God has a positive purpose for everything that happens in the life of the believer (Romans 8:28). Though Paul does not say so with certainty, he suggests the bad event that had happened (Onesimus' running away) has led to a positive outcome (his return as a believer).

The comment that Philemon could get Onesimus "back forever" has been interpreted in two ways. First, it could be taken to mean Onesimus would return to Philemon as a slave, and remain so for the rest of his life. However, another interpretation is more likely: that Onesimus would return as a brother in Christ. This was made clear already (Philemon 1:10) and will be stated again in verse 16. As a fellow Christian, Philemon and Onesimus would be together forever, both in this life and in the next.
Expand
Expand
Expand
What is the Gospel?
Download the app:
BibleRef.com is part of Got Questions Ministries

For answers to your Bible questions, please visit