“For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while that you would have him forever,”
Philemon 1:15 (WEB)
Context Reading
13whom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News. 14But I was willing to do nothing without your consent, that your goodness would not be as of necessity, but of free will. 15For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while that you would have him forever, 16no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother — especially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. 17If then you count me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.