Titus 2:10. Not purloining,— Not privately defrauding or embezzling— Μη νοσφιζομενους : which properly signifies keeping back part of the worth of any thing, and is used in the case of Ananias's secreting a part, where the whole was pretended to be returned, Acts 5:2-3. Servants, at least among the Heathens, might probably do this very frequently. read more
9. servants—"slaves." to please them well—"to give satisfaction" [ALFORD]. To be complaisant in everything; to have that zealous desire to gain the master's goodwill which will anticipate the master's wish and do even more than is required. The reason for the frequent recurrence of injunctions to slaves to subjection (Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:22; 1 Timothy 6:1; 1 Timothy 6:2; 1 Peter 2:18) was, that in no rank was there more danger of the doctrine of the spiritual equality and freedom of... read more
10. Not purloining—Greek, "Not appropriating" what does not belong to one. It means "keeping back" dishonestly or deceitfully (Acts 5:2; Acts 5:3). showing—manifesting in acts. all—all possible. good—really good; not so in mere appearance (Ephesians 6:5; Ephesians 6:6; Colossians 3:22-24). "The heathen do not judge of the Christian's doctrines from the doctrine, but from his actions and life" [CHRYSOSTOM]. Men will write, fight, and even die for their religion; but how few live for it!... read more
C. The conduct of the saints 2:1-3:11Having specified the type of men qualified to lead the church, and having pointed out the deficiencies of certain unqualified leaders, Paul turned to discuss the conduct of individual Christians in the churches. He dealt with these instructions by dividing them up among various groups in the church and then reemphasizing what proper behavior for all saints looks like. read more
1. The behavior of various groups in the church 2:1-15To establish order in the church Paul gave Titus instructions concerning the behavior of various groups of Christians that was appropriate for them (cf. 1 Timothy 5:1-2). This involves pastoral oversight."Paul here stresses the importance of building up the inner life of believers as the best antidote against error." [Note: Hiebert, "Titus," p. 435.] "No condition and no period of life is to remain unaffected by the sanctifying influence of... read more
Bond-slaves 2:9-10Slaves were known for their readiness to embrace new religions. [Note: Towner, The Letters . . ., p. 735.] For this reason Paul may have given instructions to those of them that had become Christians. Paul’s words to slaves begin with a general request followed by four principles arranged chiastically (positive, negative, negative, positive) the first two of which address attitude and the last two fidelity. [Note: Knight, p. 315.] Believing slaves were (1) to be submissive to... read more
2:9 masters, (e-8) Despotes , as 2 Timothy 2:21 . themselves (f-11) The literal translation is 'to be,' yet I judge I have given the true sense. It is elsewhere used of the Christian towards God or Christ; but to be acceptable is a fact. I cannot exhort a person to be it; to make himself so I can; and that is the sense here. gainsaying; (g-16) Or 'contradictory;' that is, opposing their masters when they speak to them. read more
Various Instructions for Christian Life and Doctrine1-15. ’In giving sound doctrine, to offset false teaching, put the first emphasis on the need of character, because Christ is our reward, and very soon. And do thou, Titus, set a good example, and maintain thine own authority.’1. Sound doctrine] cp. Titus 2:2, ’sound in faith.’ The context shows that this is soundness not in intellectual opinions, but in the inculcation of uprightness of life. In Christ’s day ’faith’ was always regarded as... read more
(9) Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters.—The accurate translation here is bond servants. The words in this and the following verse, it must be remembered, are addressed to “slaves.” With some special reference to the peculiar circumstances of the Church in Crete, St. Paul had been giving general directions to his representative (Titus 2:1-8) respecting instruction and advice he considered it expedient should be given to the varied orders and ages of professing Christians in... read more
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Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Titus 2:9
Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters, and to be well-pleasing to them in all things; not gainsaying, not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.Well-pleasing in all things ... "It is probable here that Paul was thinking of Christian slaves with Christian masters."[26] As Lipscomb said, "It is obvious that `all things' is here limited to things not contrary to God's law."[27]Gainsaying ... means "talking... read more