Philemon 1:15
Philemon 1:15 (KJV)
15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
Philemon 1:15 (Literal)
15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was so you could receive him back forever [as full restitution],
CONTEXT-Beloved to Me and Thee
Philemon 1:15, 16
For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever; 16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Structure of Philemon (from E.W Bullinger's Companion Bible)
A) A | Epistolary Salutations Verses 1 and 2
B | Benediction Verse 3
B) C | Paul’s Prayer for Philemon Verses 4-6
D | a| Paul’s Joy in Philemon: Confessed Verse 7a
b| Bowels of Saints Refreshed Verse 7b
C) G | I Might Enjoin (But I Do Not) Verse 8
H| Paul the Aged Verse 9
J | c | Onesimus Profitable (ONESIMOS) To Thee and Me Verses 10 and 11
d | Receive Him as Myself Verse 12
K | Onesimus Ministered In Thy Stead Verse 13
K | Thy Benefit Verse 14
C) J | c | Beloved to Me and Thee Verse 15 and 16
d | Receive Him as Myself Verse 17
H | Paul The Debtor Verses 18 and 19a
G | I Do Not Say (But I Might) 19b
B) D | a | Paul’s Joy in Philemon : Besought Verse 20a
b | “Refresh My Bowels” Verse 20b
C | Philemon’s Prayer For Paul Verses 21 and 22
A) A | Epistolary Verses 23 and 24
B | Benediction Verse 25