But I was willing to do nothing without your consent, that your goodness would not be as of necessity, but of free will.
THE SURROUNDING PASSAGE
Philemon 14 in context
Philemon 11–17
11
who once was useless to you, but now is useful to you and to me.
12
I am sending him back. Therefore receive him, that is, my own heart,
13
whom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News.
14
Selected verse
But I was willing to do nothing without your consent, that your goodness would not be as of necessity, but of free will.
15
For perhaps he was therefore separated from you for a while that you would have him forever,
16
no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother—especially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.
17
If then you count me a partner, receive him as you would receive me.
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