Philemon 1:13
“Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Paul admits he would gladly have kept Onesimus to help him in prison, as a stand-in for Philemon himself.
What Does Philemon 1:13 Mean?
Paul opens his heart further. He confesses he would have liked to keep Onesimus at his side, so that the young man might minister to his needs during his imprisonment for the gospel. In serving Paul, Onesimus would have been acting in Philemon's place.
There is real affection and trust in this. Paul values Onesimus enough to want his help, and he honors Philemon by treating any service from Onesimus as if it came from Philemon himself. Yet Paul will not presume. The verse reveals a heart that holds people loosely and honestly, naming its desires while still refusing to take what has not been freely given.