The text doesn't just say "don't argue," it specifically uses a word that describes a persistent habit of contradicting or resisting – a spirit of defiance. This points to an internal attitude that needs to be corrected, not just outward silence, emphasizing a deep-seated willingness to be agreeable rather than argumentative.
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)
Paul is instructing Titus on how to teach different groups within the church, moving from older men and women to younger women, and now to enslaved people. Given the social realities of Crete, he emphasizes that Christian slaves should be exemplary in their conduct towards their masters, not using their faith as an excuse for insubordination or discontent. This instruction is meant to reflect well on the Christian faith, making it attractive to outsiders.
Paul's instructions to bondservants in Titus might seem strange to us. Why so much emphasis on submission in a social system that seems unjust?
It's crucial to understand the historical context. Slavery was a deeply ingrained institution, and Christianity didn't immediately abolish it. Instead, Paul instructs believers within these existing structures.
A Kingdom Perspective
Paul's focus wasn't on overthrowing the Roman social order but on transforming lives from within. For the Christian bondservant, their ultimate allegiance was to God, not their earthly master. This understanding provided a unique perspective:
Paul doesn't just tell bondservants to obey; he says they should aim to be 'well-pleasing' and 'not argumentative.' What does that deeper level of conduct involve?
The Apostle Paul pushes beyond mere compliance. The command to be 'well-pleasing' (euarestatous) implies a proactive desire to honor one's master, going beyond the minimum requirements.
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The Power of a Good Testimony
This isn't about being a people-pleaser in a worldly sense, but about demonstrating the transformative power of Christ in everyday actions.
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 is addressing a reality deeply woven into the fabric of the Roman world: slavery. His instructions to slaves aren't about social reform, but about living out their faith with integrity and good conduct within their existing circumstances, thereby reflecting positively on the Christian message.
c. 1st century AD
Roman Empire and Slavery
Slavery was a pervasive and deeply entrenched institution throughout the Roman Empire, including Crete. Slaves performed a vast array of labor, from domestic service to heavy manual work, and were considered property with few legal rights.
c. 1st century AD
Spread of Christianity
Christianity was spreading throughout the Roman Empire, including the island of Crete. This presented a challenge as the Gospel's message of equality in Christ contrasted with the social hierarchy of slavery.
c. AD 62-67— this verse
Paul Writes to Titus
The Apostle Paul, likely while imprisoned or shortly after, writes to his protégé Titus, who is ministering on the island of Crete. Paul provides instructions on church leadership and conduct for various groups within the community, including slaves.
c. 1st century AD
Potential for Insubordination
The challenging conditions and inherent dignity of Christian slaves may have led to instances of insubordination or impatience with their masters, requiring specific pastoral guidance.
This passage directly mirrors Titus 2:9 by commanding slaves to obey their earthly masters in all things, not just when watched, serving the Lord rather than men.
Ephesians 6:5Similar to Titus, this verse instructs slaves to obey their earthly masters with respect and fear, in singleness of heart, as they would obey Christ.
1 Peter 2:18This passage addresses 'domestics' (household slaves) and urges them to submit to their masters with all respect, not only to those who are kind but also to those who are harsh.
Luke 12:47-48While not directly about master-servant relations, this parable highlights that greater knowledge or position brings greater responsibility, implying that how one acts in their given role is significant before 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 text doesn't just say "don't argue," it specifically uses a word that describes a persistent habit of contradicting or resisting – a spirit of defiance. This points to an internal attitude that needs to be corrected, not just outward silence, emphasizing a deep-seated willingness to be agreeable rather than argumentative.
Paul is instructing Titus on how to teach different groups within the church, moving from older men and women to younger women, and now to enslaved people. Given the social realities of Crete, he emphasizes that Christian slaves should be exemplary in their conduct towards their masters, not using their faith as an excuse for insubordination or discontent. This instruction is meant to reflect well on the Christian faith, making it attractive to outsiders.
Paul is instructing Titus on how to teach different groups within the church, moving from older men and women to younger women, and now to enslaved people. Given the social realities of Crete, he emphasizes that Christian slaves should be exemplary in their conduct towards their masters, not using their faith as an excuse for insubordination or discontent. This instruction is meant to reflect well on the Christian faith, making it attractive to outsiders.
"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 text doesn't just say "don't argue," it specifically uses a word that describes a persistent habit of contradicting or resisting – a spirit of defiance. This points to an internal attitude that n…
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Last reviewed October 2026
