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I. "PERHAPS HE THEREFORE DEPARTED," etc. Wonderful dealings of God in providence — ordering all, overruling even faults. Onesimus had done wrong; yet God, instead of giving him up to the consequences, in mercy overruled all for good; led him to Rome; brought under Paul's teaching, where converted. Doubtless he had suffered hardships and want. Humbled thus perhaps. Thus often. Chastisement, suffering; yet good at last. Even faults often overruled. Some in prison for crime have there learnt the way of salvation. Wild young man enlists, sent abroad, there learns "the way." Boy goes to sea, endures hardship, brought to repentance. The "therefore" runs through all.

II. OBSERVE HOW CONFIDENTLY PAUL ASKS PHILEMON TO FORGIVE. Could he have done so, unless Philemon had been a Christian? No. Little hope of mercy otherwise. Nothing would have been thought too heavy punishment for dishonest runaway slave. What change the gospel makes! Thankful for it even in this view. Thankful to be born and live under it. Paul, we may be sure, appealed not in vain. Onesimus forgiven and restored. All past forgotten. Of all the fruits of the gospel, none more striking or peculiar than forgiveness of injuries.

III. BUT MORE THAN FORGIVENESS WAS EXPECTED OF HIM, and doubtless not in vain. He and Onesimus now, not merely master and servant, but fellow Christians, brethren. Surely he would be a slave no more!

1. This is such forgiveness as we receive, returning and confessing. Not bare pardon, but rich and full blessing too. Made free; made happy. Servants, yet children too. All in Christ

2. Such also the forgiveness we should practise. Not grudging, but bountiful, generous. And every Christian we should treat as a brother.

(F. Bourdillon, M. A.)

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KJV: For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;

WEB: For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while, that you would have him forever,