14but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord.
Onesimus was Philemon’s slave and thus he belonged to Philemon. Paul did not have the right to make use of Onesimus's labour or services without first receiving Philemon’s consent and he wants this consent to be given freely.
14 but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord.