Barnes New Testament Notes

Verse 13. 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;" (uper 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, (diakonh;) to wit, in such a way as one who was in bonds would need.

{b} "that in thy stead" 1 Co 16:17; Php 2:30