How we cite our quotes:
Quote #10
Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. (Philemon 1:15-16, NRSV)
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? (Philemon 1:15-16, KJV)
Paul clearly thinks that Philemon should release his slave, but he's really creeping around it here. He tells Philemon that Onesimus should be like a brother to him, but it's up to Philemon to decide if he wants to keep this whole owning-a-person thing going a little longer. Well, at least Onesimus is free because of his belief in Jesus.