Commentary - Titus 2:9-10

Bird's-eye view

In this brief but potent section of his letter to Titus, the apostle Paul continues his instructions for bringing gospel order to the churches in Crete. Having addressed older men, older women, younger women, and younger men, he now turns his attention to bondservants, or slaves. This was a significant portion of the population in the Roman Empire, and it was crucial for the health of the church and the credibility of its witness that these relationships be ordered by the gospel. Paul's instructions are not a sociological treatise on labor relations, but rather a direct application of Christian doctrine to a real-world situation. The central thrust is that the conduct of Christian slaves in their station was a powerful opportunity to either commend or disgrace the gospel. The ultimate goal, as with all the other groups addressed, is that their behavior would "adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in everything."

The instructions are intensely practical, dealing with attitudes and actions: submission, a desire to please, agreeableness, and honesty. But these practical exhortations are tethered to a profound theological anchor. The gospel does not abolish earthly stations by simple revolution, but rather transforms them from within by changing the hearts of the people in them. A slave who works with cheerful integrity for his earthly master is actually working for his heavenly Master, and in so doing, he makes the truth of God beautiful to a watching world. This passage is a prime example of how the gospel applies to the nitty-gritty of everyday life, especially in difficult circumstances.

Outline

Context In Titus

Paul left Titus in Crete to "set in order the things that are lacking" (Titus 1:5). A significant part of this task involved teaching sound doctrine that would produce sound living in every segment of the church. Chapter 2 is a catalog of this practical, household-level instruction. Paul is laying out the beautiful, orderly, and attractive shape of a Christian community. He has already addressed various age and gender groups, and now he comes to a foundational economic and social relationship of the ancient world: that of master and slave (doulos).

It is crucial to understand that the New Testament enters a world where slavery was a ubiquitous institution, and it addresses it head-on, not with a political program for immediate abolition, but with a theological reality that would ultimately subvert and dismantle it. The gospel redefines all relationships from the inside out. By commanding slaves to live in a certain way, and elsewhere commanding masters to do the same (Eph. 6:9; Col. 4:1), Paul is injecting gospel principles of love, service, and mutual respect into a system that was often characterized by oppression. The instructions here in Titus 2:9-10 are therefore not an endorsement of the institution of slavery, but a command for Christians within that institution to live in a way that honors Christ and beautifies His gospel.

Verse-by-Verse Commentary

Titus 2:9

Urge slaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be pleasing, not contradicting,

Paul begins with the foundational exhortation for slaves, which is to be "subject to their own masters in everything." The word for subject here is a military term, speaking of being rightly ordered under authority. This is the same principle that applies to wives with husbands, children with parents, and citizens with the civil magistrate. God is a God of order, not chaos, and He has established lines of authority in the world for our good. For a Christian slave in the first century, this meant recognizing the master's authority as part of God's providential ordering of his life. The phrase "in everything" should be understood in the same way we understand it elsewhere in Scripture, that is, in everything that is not a direct contradiction to the law of God. If a master commanded a slave to sin, the slave's higher duty would be to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).

The next phrase qualifies the nature of this submission. It is not to be a grudging, resentful, or sullen submission. Rather, they are to be "pleasing." This speaks to the attitude of the heart. The goal is to give satisfaction in the work performed, to be agreeable. This is a radical command. In a relationship that could easily be filled with bitterness and resentment, the Christian slave is called to have a disposition that actively seeks to please his master. This is only possible when the slave understands that his ultimate Master is Christ, and that by serving his earthly master well, he is serving the Lord (Eph. 6:5-7).

Then comes the negative command, "not contradicting." The Greek word here means to talk back, to argue, or to be insolent. It's the picture of an employee who is always challenging the boss, always has a reason why something can't be done, always muttering under his breath. This kind of behavior undermines authority and creates a climate of conflict. The Christian servant is to be agreeable and respectful, not contentious. This doesn't mean he can't have an opinion or offer helpful advice, but it governs the manner in which he conducts himself. He is not to have a spirit of opposition.

Titus 2:10

not pilfering, but demonstrating all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in everything.

Paul now moves from sins of the tongue to sins of the hand. Slaves are commanded to be "not pilfering." The word refers to petty theft, embezzling, or skimming off the top. Because slaves often managed household affairs, finances, and goods, the temptation to help themselves to the master's property would have been significant. Honesty in small things is a massive test of character. A Christian is to be scrupulously honest, not because he is afraid of getting caught, but because he fears God.

In contrast to pilfering, they are to be "demonstrating all good faith." This is the positive counterpart. It means showing complete and utter trustworthiness. A master should know that his Christian slave is the most reliable person in his entire household. His word is his bond. He can be trusted with the keys, with the money, with any responsibility. This "good faith" is not just a lack of dishonesty, but a proactive, consistent, and thorough integrity. It is a faithfulness that is visible and demonstrable.

And here we come to the magnificent purpose for all of this. Why this submission? Why this pleasing attitude? Why this refusal to argue? Why this scrupulous honesty? It is all done "so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in everything." The word for "adorn" is kosmeo, from which we get our word "cosmetic." It means to arrange, to put in order, to make beautiful. The conduct of a Christian slave is like a set of beautiful jewels that makes the doctrine of God attractive. When a pagan master saw his slave working with diligence, honesty, and a cheerful spirit, even in a difficult station, it would force him to ask what could possibly produce such a character. The answer is "the doctrine of God our Savior." The gospel is not just a set of ideas to be believed; it is a transformative power that creates a beautiful life. And this adornment is to happen "in everything." Every task, every interaction, every attitude is an opportunity to make the gospel look as beautiful as it truly is.

Application

While the institution of chattel slavery is gone from our world, the principles in this text are timeless and apply directly to every Christian in their place of work. Whether you are an employee, a student, a subordinate, or in any position under authority, these commands are for you. Our modern world is filled with a spirit of entitlement, resentment, and conflict in the workplace. Employees are often encouraged to do the bare minimum, to complain about their bosses, and to view their employer as an adversary.

The Christian is called to be completely different. We are to be the best employees, the most diligent workers, the most cheerful and agreeable subordinates. We are to work with integrity, not cutting corners or wasting time, because we know we are working for the Lord Jesus Christ. Our work is a central part of our worship and our witness.

The ultimate goal is not just to get a promotion or a raise, though those things may come. The ultimate goal is to adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. When your boss and coworkers see your work ethic, your honesty, and your respectful attitude, especially when things are difficult, it makes the gospel you profess believable and beautiful. Your daily grind is your pulpit. Your faithful work is your apologetic. In this way, the most mundane tasks of our lives are invested with eternal significance. We are either making the gospel look good or making it look bad by how we conduct ourselves in our stations.