Whom I would have retained with me, that in your stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
All Commentaries on Philemon 1:13 Go To Philemon 1
John Chrysostom
AD 407
Be careful to observe how much groundwork is necessary before Paul honorably brought Onesimus before his master. Observe how wisely he has done this. See for how much he makes Philemon answerable and how much he honors Onesimus. You have found, he says, a way by which you may through Onesimus repay your service to me. Here Paul shows that he has considered Philemon’s advantage more than that of his slave and that he deeply respects him.
