Verse 15
perhaps — speaking in human fashion, yet as one believing that God’s Providence probably (for we cannot dogmatically define the hidden purposes of God in providence) overruled the past evil to ultimately greater good to him. This thought would soften Philemon’s indignation at Onesimus’ past offense. So Joseph in :-.
departed — literally, “was parted from thee”; a softening term for “ran away,” to mitigate Philemon’s wrath.
receive him — Greek, “have him for thyself in full possession” (see on :-). The same Greek as in :-.
for ever — in this life and in that to come (compare :-). Onesimus’ time of absence, however long, was but a short “hour” (so Greek) compared with the everlasting devotion henceforth binding him to his master.
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