NET Bible
"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,"
— Philemon 1:15, NET Bible
“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 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;”
I have sent him(who is my very heart) back to you.
I wanted to keep him with me so that he could serve me in your place during my imprisonment for the sake of the gospel.
However, without your consent I did not want to do anything, so that your good deed would not be out of compulsion, but from your own willingness.
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,
no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, as a dear brother. He is especially so to me, and even more so to you now, both humanly speaking and in the Lord.
Therefore if you regard me as a partner, accept him as you would me.
Now if he has defrauded you of anything or owes you anything, charge what he owes to me.