Whom I would have retained with me, that in your stead he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel:
Whom I would have retained with me, that in your stead he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel:
whom I would fain have kept with me, that in thy behalf he might minister unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
Though my desire was to keep him with me, to be my servant in the chains of the good news, in your place:
Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered to me in the bonds of the gospel:
whom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News.
whom I would fain have kept with me, that in thy behalf he might minister unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
That in thy stead he might have ministered unto me - As Philemon was one of Paul's converts, he became thereby his spiritual father, and had a right to his services when in need. This was a strong argument, not only to induce Philemon to forgive his servant, but to send him back to the apostle, that he might minister to him in his master's stead.
Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead - "That he might render me the service which I know you would if you were here." The Greek is: "for thee" ὑπὲρ σοῦ huper sou; that is, what he should do for Paul might be regarded as done by Philemon himself.
He might have ministered unto me - He might have rendered me assistance (διακονῇ diakonē); to wit, in such a way as one who was in bonds would need.
1:13 To serve me in thy stead - To do those services for me which thou, if present, wouldest gladly have done thyself.