“God does not tyrannize but rules, and when he rules, he does not coerce but encourages and he wishes that those under him yield themselves willingly to his direction so that the good of someone may not be according to compulsion but according to his free will. This is what Paul with understanding was saying to Philemo…”
Origen of Alexandria, 3th c. — HOMILIES ON JEREMIAH 20.2
Original
14But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
Modern
Preparing…
Teens
Preparing…
Kids
Preparing…
In context
12Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:
13Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
— Philemon 1:14 —
15For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
16Not 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?