prevailed over local traditions. Not only those parts of prescriptions and rulings that were or appeared to be unclear or self-contradictory, but the whole legal system of the occupying power, was ignored as much as possible, especially in Asia Minor, down to the third and fourth centuries C.E.49 Therefore it must not be assumed that Paul’s arguments in his Letter to Philemon are totally or primarily based on his acquaintance with Roman law and practice. In addition, even Roman law, specifically