Philemon 1:15

For perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated from you for a little while, so that you would have him back eternally, ¹ 

biblegateway Phm 1:15

Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good—

biblegateway Phm 1:15

For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever,

biblegateway Phm 1:15

Perhaps you could think of it this way: Onesimus ran away for a little while so you could have him back forever.

biblegateway Phm 1:15

Maybe it's all for the best that you lost him for a while. You're getting him back now for good--

SABDAweb Phm 1:15

For it is possible that for this reason he was parted from you for a time, so that you might have him for ever;

bibleoremus Phm 1:15

Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back forever,

biblegateway Phm 1:15

For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose , that you might receive him forever,

biblegateway Phm 1:15

For perhaps it was for this reason that he was separated from you for a little while, so that you would have him back eternally, ¹ 

¹ sn So that you would have him back eternally. The notion here is not that Onesimus was to be the slave of Philemon eternally, but that their new relationship as brothers in Christ would transcend the societal structures of this age. The occasion of Onesimus’ flight to Rome would ultimately be a catalyst in the formation of a new and stronger bond between these two men.