There is no mention in the New Testament of how slavery began. Before the first century, the most common way people became slaves was by capture in war or kidnapping by pirates. Subsequently, ranching became a common source for obtaining slaves. If a slave gave birth to a child, that child would become a slave. This kept the slave population large. Also, many people sold themselves into slavery because it was easier than being poor. Some people, who had debts, sold themselves into slavery so that when they gained freedom they would be free from debt. Many of these slaves resumed normal lives after gaining their freedom. Some people threw their babies away if they didn't want them, and if a baby was found it could be enslaved. Some parents also sold their children into slavery. Most slaves, except those who sold themselves into slavery, could do nothing about it (Bartchy 543). The law said that slaves were objects to be bought, owned, and sold by their owners. Slaves had no rights such as marrying, inheriting items, or representing themselves in court. Slaves were punished more harshly than freemen for breaking the law. The law allows slaves to own property and do with it as they please. Slaves were considered to have no family and were expected to die working as slaves (Bartchy 544). Social status depended mainly on the status of their owner. There seemed to be no difference between slaves and freemen based on clothing and race, and they mixed together, making it difficult to determine who was a slave and who was free. Slaves had many jobs, including household chores such as cooking and cleaning, but some were guardians, doctors, and household managers. Slaves also worked as janitors, salesmen... middle of paper... far away. I came to the conclusion, reading the ISBE article and Philemon, that Onesimus was looking for some sort of guidance from Paul regarding Christianity, instead of looking for a way to escape his owner. Paul does not reprimand Onesimus for coming to him, but sends him back with a letter to Philemon telling him that Onesimus has been with himself and that Philemon should accept him as a fellow Christian. Paul also tells Philemon that he would keep Onesimus with him, but he didn't want to do anything without Philemon's word. This clearly shows that this is a non-hostile letter, concerning Onesimus' faith, and not just instructions on what to do with him. Works Cited Bartchy, SS The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. 4. Edetid by Geoffery W. Bromiley. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1979.