The early church did not attack slavery directly but it laid the foundation for a new relationship between owner and slave. Paul attempted to unite both Philemon and Onesimus with Christian love so that emancipation would become necessary.
Kanisa la kwanza halikushambulia utumwa moja kwa moja lakini liliweka msingi kwa ajili ya uhusiano mpya kati ya mmiliki na mtumwa. Paulo alijaribu kupatanisha Filemoni na Onesimo kwa upendo wa Kikristo ili ukombozi huwe muhimu. Tu baada ya kufumbuliwa kwa mwanga wa injili ndipo taasisi ya utumwa itakufa.