Philemon 1:14

mind Properly, "opinion," decision. Latin Versions, consilium.

would I do nothing Lit., "nothing I willed to do" The A. V. represents the idiom rightly.

that thy benefit The primary reason, doubtless, was that it was Onesimus" dutyto return, and Paul's to give him up. But this delicate subsidiary motive was not less real.

" Thy benefit" :lit., "thy good," thy kindness. The reference seems to be to Philemon's general kindness to his friend, of which the permission to Onesimus to stay would have been an instance. So Ellicott.

not asit were of necessity, but willingly It might seem that he almost suggests to Philemon to send Onesimus back to him. But this is not likely in itself, in view of the long and costly journey involved; and besides, he looks forward to visit Colossæ himself before long (Philemon 1:22). What he means is that he sends back Onesimus, because to retain him would be to get a benefit from Philemon willing or not, and Philemon's "good" had always been willingly given.

" As it were" softens the "of necessity" ;Philemon might not be unwilling, but there would be the look ofhis being so.