Cultural Background of Philemon

Introduction to Topic

Why Slaves are an integral part to the Letter to Philemon

Who Were Slaves

Basic Definition

Slaves Rights in Judaism

Slaves Rights in Greco-Roman World

How were runaway slaves treated

Christianity and Slavery

How did Christianity affect slavery?

Was it abolished?

If not, did the early church have any impact on the practice of slavery?

Philemon and Onesimus

How does all of this information affect the situation of Philemon and Onesimus?

What is significant or surprising about Paul's request to Philemon?