As professor Reis noted in lecture, during the time of Paul 30-50% of people in the Roman Empire were slaves.  Indeed, the Greco-Roman world’s survival and continued thriving was dependent on slavery.  While today most people abhor the institution of slavery (in speech but not always in practice),… Continue reading →

The book of Philemon is written by Paul to the man who is the namesake of the book, and it addresses the recent visit of Philemon’s slave Onesimus. According to Ehrman, it is probable that Onesimus fled Philemon and came to Paul due to malfeasance on Philemon’s part towards his slave. A common practice at… Continue reading →

Philemon is a very short letter written by Paul while he was in prison. He met a slave there named Onesimus, who is the subject of the letter. Paul is asking Philemon to accept Onesimus back and forgive any wrongdoings the slave may have committed. The two obviously had a pretty close relationship, in fact… Continue reading →