Of the particular passages in the New Testament on which the apologists for slavery especially rely, the epistle to Philemon first demands our attention.

1.  This letter was written by the apostle Paul while a “prisoner of Jesus Christ” at Rome.

2.  Philemon was a benevolent and trustworthy member of the church at Colosse, at whose house the disciples of Christ held their assemblies, and who owed his conversion, under God, directly or indirectly to the ministry of Paul.

3.  Onesimus was the servant of Philemon; under a relation which it is difficult with accuracy and certainty to define.  His condition, though servile, could not have been like that of an American slave; as, in that case, however he might have “wronged” Philemon, he could not also have “owed him ought."[A] The American slave is, according to law, as much the property of his master as any other chattel; and can no more “owe” his master than can a sheep or a horse.  The basis of all pecuniary obligations lies in some “value received.”  How can “an article of merchandise” stand on this basis and sustain commercial relations to its owner?  There is no person to offer or promise. Personality is swallowed up in American slavery!

[Footnote A:  Phil. 18.]

4.  How Onesimus found his way to Rome it is not easy to determine.  He and Philemon appear to have parted from each other on ill terms.  The general character of Onesimus, certainly, in his relation to Philemon, had been far from attractive, and he seems to have left him without repairing the wrongs he had done him or paying the debts which he owed him.  At Rome, by the blessing of God upon the exertions of the apostle, he was brought to reflection and repentance.

5.  In reviewing his history in the light of Christian truth, he became painfully aware of the injuries, he had inflicted on Philemon.  He longed for an opportunity for frank confession and full restitution.  Having, however, parted with Philemon on ill terms, he knew not how to appear in his presence.  Under such embarrassments, he naturally sought sympathy and advice of Paul. His influence upon Philemon, Onesimus knew must be powerful, especially as an apostle.

6.  A letter in behalf of Onesimus was therefore written by the apostle to Philemon.  After such salutations, benedictions, and thanks giving as the good character and useful life of Philemon naturally drew from the heart of Paul, he proceeds to the object of the letter.  He admits that Onesimus had behaved ill in the service of Philemon; not in running away, for how they had parted with each other is not explained, but in being unprofitable and in refusing to pay the debts[B] which he had contracted.  But his character had undergone a radical change.  Thenceforward fidelity and usefulness would be his aim and mark his course.  And as to any pecuniary obligations which he had violated, the apostle authorized Philemon to put them on his account.[C] Thus a way was fairly opened to the heart of Philemon.  And now what does the apostles ask?