Titus 2:9-10
Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The instruction to be "not argumentative" (or "not gainsaying") isn't just about avoiding petty squabbles; it’s about a profound inner disposition. It means actively refusing to push back or resist the master's will, even internally, thereby demonstrating a deep respect that goes beyond mere outward compliance. This quiet, unresisting spirit is what truly makes a servant "well-pleasing."
Paul is instructing Titus on how to guide different groups within the church on Crete, shifting from instructions for older men and women to younger men, and now addressing enslaved people. He emphasizes that despite their difficult social position, Christian slaves should honor their masters by being obedient and agreeable, avoiding insolence or dishonesty. This conduct, Paul explains in the next verse, will ultimately commend the Christian faith itself.
In a world where slavery was a harsh reality, Paul doesn't tell slaves to escape or rebel. Instead, he calls them to a profound submission, even to masters who might be difficult.
Paul's instruction to 'be submissive to their own masters in everything' wasn't a dismissal of the injustice of slavery. Instead, it was a practical application of Christian discipleship within a challenging social structure.
Acknowledging Reality
Christianity didn't immediately dismantle societal institutions like slavery. Paul's focus was on transforming lives from the inside out. For enslaved individuals who became believers, their faith called them to live out their existing roles with integrity and respect.
Submission, Not Servitude
This submission wasn't about endorsing the institution of slavery, but about demonstrating Christ-like character. It meant honoring the God who called them, even in their earthly circumstances. The phrase 'in everything' highlights the thoroughness of this commitment, implying a consistent attitude rather than blind obedience to any and all commands (as later verses in Titus 2 and other epistles clarify, obedience to God always comes first).
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Beyond Mere Obedience
This wasn't just about following orders. It was about a willing, respectful posture that sought to please their masters, not out of fear, but as an expression of their faith.
The instruction to be 'not argumentative' speaks volumes about the kind of witness Christians were meant to be, even when facing harsh treatment.
Paul's command to be 'not argumentative' (or 'not gainsaying') is a powerful directive for how believers should handle conflict and disagreement.
Avoiding Defensiveness
In the context of masters and slaves, 'not answering again' meant refraining from backtalk, sullenness, or contentious replies. It was about avoiding the impulse to immediately defend oneself or to push back against authority in a way that created further discord.
A Reflection of Christ
This characteristic reflects the demeanor of Christ Himself, who, when reviled, did not revile in return. It’s about choosing peace and respect, even when it’s difficult or feels undeserved. This doesn't mean suppressing legitimate concerns, but approaching them with humility and grace.
Adorning the Gospel
When believers respond with gentleness and respect instead of argumentativeness, they allow their conduct to 'adorn the doctrine of God our Savior' (as verse 10 continues). Their peaceful response can commend the faith to others, making it more appealing and credible.
Understand the original words
doulos · Greek Noun
A person who is enslaved or under the authority of another. In the New Testament, it is often used metaphorically to describe the believer's relationship to Christ as their Lord.
hypotassō · Greek Verb
The act of yielding to the authority of another. It is a voluntary posture of respect for God-ordained structures of authority within the family, church, or society.
nosphizomai · Greek Verb
To steal or misappropriate small amounts of property. It refers to a lack of honesty, specifically in matters of trust or stewardship.
pistis · Greek Noun
Faithfulness, reliability, or trustworthiness. It is the quality of being loyal and keeping one's word, reflecting the faithfulness of God Himself.
didaskalia · Greek Noun
The body of teaching regarding God and His salvation revealed in Scripture. It serves as the foundation for the Christian life and the object of belief.
sōtēr · Greek Noun
The Triune God as the One who rescues humanity from sin and death. He is the originator and executor of the plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul's instruction to enslaved believers in Titus 2:9 must be understood against the backdrop of Roman slavery, where their obedience and faithfulness served not only their masters but also as a vital witness to Christ in a challenging social structure.
c. 1st century AD
Roman Slavery System
Slavery was a deeply ingrained institution across the Roman Empire, with slaves comprising a significant portion of the population. Their legal status was akin to property, subject to the absolute authority of their owners.
c. 1st century AD
Early Christian Communities Formed
As Christianity spread, it formed communities that included people from all social strata, including slaves. This presented a unique challenge for believers who were also enslaved.
c. 62-67 AD— this verse
Paul's Letter to Titus
The Apostle Paul writes to Titus, his co-worker, providing instructions on how to lead the churches on the island of Crete. This letter addresses various groups within the community, including slaves.
c. 1st century AD
Potential for Insubordination
Some scholars suggest that the unique dignity afforded by Christianity might have led some enslaved believers to question or resist their status, creating potential for conflict or insubordination within households.
c. 1st century AD
Christian Conduct as Witness
Paul emphasizes that the behavior of Christian slaves, particularly their faithfulness and obedience, could serve as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel, potentially influencing non-believers.
This passage directly echoes Titus 2:9, instructing slaves to obey their earthly masters 'in everything' and 'not with eyeservice, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.'
Ephesians 6:5Similar to Titus, this verse calls for slaves to obey their masters 'with fear and trembling, with all sincerity of heart, as you would Christ.'
1 Peter 2:18This verse specifically addresses enslaved people, telling them to 'be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust.'
Matthew 6:24While not directly about slavery, Jesus' teaching that 'No one can serve two masters' provides a foundational principle for understanding loyalty and obedience, even within hierarchical structures.
Romans 13:1-7This passage provides the theological basis for submission to governing authorities, which underlies the instruction for slaves to submit to their masters, seeing such authority as ordained by God.
cambridgeTitus 2:9: "Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;"
9, 10 . The standard of holy living for slaves 9 . Exhort servants ] The verb is supplied from Titus 2:6 . The phrases and the necessary limits of Christian counsel to slaves are touched on in notes 1 Timothy 6:1-2 Lewin well observes here ‘at that time slavery was a civil institution, which Christianity without any civil power could not disturb.’ The more special coun…
vincentTitus 2:9: "Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;"
To please them well in all things (ἐν πᾶσιν εὐαρέστους εἶναι)Wrong. Const. in all things with to be in subjection. Note the position of ἐν πᾶσιν in 1 Timothy 3:11; 1 Timothy 4:15; 2 Timothy 2:7; 2 Timothy 4:5, and comp. ὑπακούειν κατὰ πάντα obey in all things, Colossians 3:20, Colossians 3:22; and ὑποτάσσεται - ἐν παντί is subject in everything, Ephesia…
The instruction to be "not argumentative" (or "not gainsaying") isn't just about avoiding petty squabbles; it’s about a profound inner disposition. It means actively refusing to push back or resist the master's will, even internally, thereby demonstrating a deep respect that goes beyond mere outward compliance. This quiet, unresisting spirit is what truly makes a servant "well-pleasing."
Paul is instructing Titus on how to guide different groups within the church on Crete, shifting from instructions for older men and women to younger men, and now addressing enslaved people. He emphasizes that despite their difficult social position, Christian slaves should honor their masters by being obedient and agreeable, avoiding insolence or dishonesty. This conduct, Paul explains in the next verse, will ultimately commend the Christian faith itself.
Paul is instructing Titus on how to guide different groups within the church on Crete, shifting from instructions for older men and women to younger men, and now addressing enslaved people. He emphasizes that despite their difficult social position, Christian slaves should honor their masters by being obedient and agreeable, avoiding insolence or dishonesty. This conduct, Paul explains in the next verse, will ultimately commend the Christian faith itself.
"Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior." — The instruction to be "not argumentative" (or "not gainsaying") isn't just about avoiding petty squabbles; it’s about a profound inner disposition. It means actively refusing to push back or resist t…
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