Philemon 1:14

“But without thy mind would I do nothing, &c.] Which shows great modesty and humility in the apostle, that though as such he had an authority, which he could have used, as well as had understanding and judgment how to have used it without consulting Philemon, or having his sense of this affair, yet chose to consult him: and it also shows the strict regard the apostle had to equity and justice, that he would do nothing with another man's servant without his consent; he would not seem to alienate, or engross another man's right and property, whatever power he might have, as an apostle, to have retained Onesimus as a minister to him. That thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but…”

“without thy mind--that is, consent. should not be as--"should not appear as a matter of necessity, but of free will." Had Paul kept Onesimus, however willing to gratify Paul Philemon might be, he would have no opportunity given him of showing he was so, his leave not having been asked.”

“But without thy mind would I do nothing - Nothing in the matter referred to. He would not retain Onesimus in his service, much as he needed his assistance, without the cordial consent of Philemon. He would not give him occasion for hard feeling or complaint, as if Paul had induced him to leave his master, or as if he persuaded him to remain with him when he wished to return - or as if he kept him away from him when he owed him or had wronged him. All that is said here is entirely consistent with the supposition that Onesimus was disposed to return to his master, and with the supposition that Paul did not compel or urge him to do it. For it is probable that if Onesimus had proposed to return,…”

“That thy benefit might not be by constraint - For Philemon could not have refused it. Philemon 1:15”

“without: Plm 1:8, Plm 1:9; Co2 1:24; Pe1 5:3 thy benefit: Ch1 29:17; Psa 110:3; Co1 9:7, Co1 9:17; Co2 8:12, Co2 9:5, Co2 9:7; Pe1 5:2 Philemon 1:15”