“Onesimus, having offended his own master, fled on a long journey to the Apostle; to show that he did not depart for the purpose of being guilty of a crime, but so that, with sins forgiven, he might return useful to such an extent that he would not only become equal to his master in merits, but also a brother to the ma…”
Ambrosiaster, 4th c. — Commentary on Philemon
Original
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?
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In context
14But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.
15For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;
— Philemon 1:16 —
17If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
18If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;