King James Version (KJV)

Philemon 1:15

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

Verse in context — Philemon 1

Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

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

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?

If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

A personal appeal for forgiveness and reconciliation.