ACC ~ Philemon 1 v15

ELICITING TENDERNESS. CHRYSOSTOM: Paul wisely said “perhaps,” that the master may yield to his request. For since Onesimus’s flight arose from wickedness and a corrupt mind and not from the intention to accomplish good, Paul has said, “perhaps.” And he has not said, “therefore he fled,” but “therefore he was separated,” in order to elicit some tenderness on the part of Philemon. HOMILIES ON PHILEMON 2.

THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: Clearly Onesimus’s flight has served to reverse the wickedness of his judgment. The “perhaps,” however, makes Paul more persuasive [i.e., Paul puts this thought forward as a consideration for Philemon]. COMMENTARY ON PHILEMON.

THEODORET OF CYR: Onesimus’s flight has become the source of good things to him. INTERPRETATION OF THE LETTER TO PHILEMON.

JEROME: Sometimes the occasion of evil becomes the occasion of good, and God turns evil human plans to an upright end. … If indeed [Onesimus] had not fled his master, he never would have come to Rome where Paul was in prison in chains. If he had not seen Paul in chains, he would not have received faith in Christ. If he had not had faith in Christ, he never would have become Paul’s son, so that he might be sent for the work of the gospel. … Paul says “perhaps” cautiously, hesitantly, with trepidation and not with certainty. If he had not said “perhaps,” all slaves would need to flee in order to become apostles. COMMENTARY ON PHILEMON.

Philem