In the Roman law, slaves were deemed to have two statuses in that they were considered as human just like their masters. However, their second nature came from an economic standpoint; they could be acquired and disposed of just like properties. Slaves could quickly be executed at those time. Slaves had more social mobility and opportunities than peasants. Household slaves were the only types of slaves that had been discussed in the letter of Paul to Philemon.
As Paul shows in the letter, a church should emulate Christ teaching of forgiveness. The nature of message he wrote indicates that although Onesimus had wronged Philemon, he was able to forgive. He asks the Philemon to accept back Onesimus and allow him to continue with his work. Under the Roman laws, stealing was a crime punishable by death. As a result, were it not for Paul, Onesimus would have been led down that path. Roman laws were to a large extent influenced by the prevailing laws in the church.
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The church and the Roman rulers had the ultimate power and authorities. Slaves were dependent on their master’s decisions. And they were subjected to harsh laws. Power and authority were considered as the pinnacle of most life’s happening. However, God’s power was the ultimate for every ruler. This is evident from the fact that the church was considered as the most powerful institution at the time.
In the Roman empire, slavery was acceptable and tolerable. Onesimus was a slave owned Philemon. At the time, it was very difficult for the slaves and their owner to develop close and mutual bonds. However, this is what happens between the two. Later, Onesimus betrayed the trust of Philemon and was forced to run and flee to Paul. Paul grew fond of him while they were in prison. Philemon is indebted to Paul, and that is the reason why Paul is asking him for a favor; to accept back Onesimus.
Onesimus and Philemon had developed personal attachment although Onesimus was a slave. Onesimus stole something from Philemon and this not only led him to lose trust in his slave, but the act itself was a crime punishable by death under Roman law.
