Philemon 1:15

For He gives a new reason for Onesimus" return. Perhaps it was on purpose forsuch a more than restoration that he was permitted to desert Philemon. So to send him back is to carry out God's plan.

perhaps He claims no insight into the Divine purpose, where it is not revealed to him.

departed Lit., was parted. From one point of view, that of providential permission, the runawaywas sentaway. Chrysostom (quoted by Lightfoot) beautifully compares Genesis 45:5, where Joseph says to his brethren, "God did sendme before you."

for a season Lit., "for an hour." So 2 Corinthians 7:8; Galatians 2:5.

receive him The Greek verb is often used of receiving payment;e.g. Matthew 6:2; Matthew 6:5; Matthew 6:16. We might almost paraphrase, "get him paid back" ;as if he had been "lent to the Lord."

for ever Lit., "eternal," aiônion. The adjective tends to mark duration as longas the nature of the subject allows. And by usage it has a close connexion with things spiritual. "For ever" here thus imports both natural and spiritual permanence of restoration; "for ever" on earth, and then hereafter; a final return to Philemon's home, with a prospect of heaven in Philemon's company.