Philemon 1:15 - Printer Friendly

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,

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.

Philemon 1:8–16 is Paul’s plea to Philemon that he would forgive and free the runaway slave Onesimus. Onesimus seems to have known Paul from his visits to Colossae, then encountered him in Rome after running away. After becoming a Christian, he returns to Philemon with this letter from Paul. Paul reminds Philemon that the three of them, including Onesimus, are brothers, and should be treated the same way.

Philemon is a letter from Paul, regarding a runaway slave named Onesimus. Paul respectfully requests that Philemon forgive his runaway slave, free him, and allow him to serve Christ without restrictions. Philemon was a prominent figure in the church of Colossae. Paul goes so far as to ask Philemon to charge any debts owed by Onesimus to Paul himself.

Philemon is short enough that it only contains a single chapter. Because Paul knows Philemon personally, and has only positive things to say about him, there is no need for a lengthy discussion. Paul appeals to Philemon to forgive and release his runaway slave, Onesimus. Onesimus, a convert to Christianity, seems be the one sent to deliver this letter to his former master.

Philemon is one of the shorter books in the Bible, but it contains some important information. The Christian concept of slavery cannot be understood without a proper review of this letter. Paul recognizes the facts of slavery in his era, and does not command Philemon to release Onesimus. However, he does appeal to the unity we share in Christ as a reason for Philemon to set this man free.