Philemon: Insight.

Often times, you will run across a book of the bible that has not only a strong faith and theological base, but that also contains a strong political and social commentary. Philemon fits that criteria. Although Paul (or the early church) didn't directly condemn slavery, he made a bold case for masters treating slaves as humans, and presented the idea that LOVE was vital for a relationship like this to be successful and glorifying. Paul laid the foundations for the expectation of humanitarian interaction between those who were in power, and those who were under them. Paul was implying that such virtues as humility and acceptance could be derived from this common love between people of different rank.