Catholic Public Domain Version
"So perhaps, then, he departed from you for a time, so that you might receive him again for eternity, "
— Philemon 1:15, Catholic Public Domain Version
“For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;”
“For perhaps he was therefore parted from thee for a season, that thou shouldest have him for ever; ”
“For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while, that you would have him forever,”
“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,”
“For perhaps he therefore departed for a season from thee that thou mightest receive him again for ever:”
“For it is possible that for this reason he was parted from you for a time, so that you might have him for ever;”
“For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;”
So I have sent him back to you. And may you receive him like my own heart.
I myself wanted to retain him with me, so that he might minister to me, on your behalf, while I am in the chains of the Gospel.
But I was willing to do nothing without your counsel, so as not to make use of your good deed as if out of necessity, but only willingly.
So perhaps, then, he departed from you for a time, so that you might receive him again for eternity,
no longer as a servant, but, in place of a servant, a most beloved brother, especially to me: but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord!
Therefore, if you hold me to be a companion, receive him as you would me.
But if he has harmed you in any way, or if he is in your debt, charge it to me.