Titus 2:10

"Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters and to be well-pleasing in all things, not contradicting,"

Key Reflection

In Titus 2:10, Paul is addressing a specific societal structure where servants were expected to obey their masters unconditionally. This instruction reflects the cultural norms of the Roman Empire, where hierarchical obedience was paramount in both domestic and professional settings. By exhorting servants to be submissive and well-pleasing, Paul aligns with the prevailing social expectations while subtly reinforcing the importance of integrity even within subjugation, preparing believers for a lifestyle marked by honor and trustworthiness in all aspects of life.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 10. Not purloining. Not to appropriate to themselves what belongs to their masters. The word purloin means, literally, to take or carry away for one's self; and would be applied to an appropriation to one's self of what pertained to a common stock, or what belonged to one in whose employ we are--as the embezzlement of public funds. Here it means that the servant was not to apply to his own use what belonged to his master; that is, was not to pilfer --a vice to which, as all know, servants, and especially slaves, are particularly exposed. See the word explained See Barnes "Ac 5:2". But showing all good fidelity. In labouring, and in taking care of the property intrusted to them.

Related Verses

More from Titus 2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion