Philemon 1:13 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered 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.