Titus 2:9-10
What is written? (ESV)
Slaves 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.
What does it say?
Slaves should submit to their masters in all things, being well-pleasing, non-combative, not stealing from but showing good faith in all of their actions so that they might display through their character the doctrine of God our Savior.
What is its immediate context?
Paul is writing to a young preacher, Titus. He provides instructions regarding many of the other roles in the congregation including pastors/elders in chapter one. He continues to give instruction regarding behavior to certain segments/groups within the church: older men (2:2), older women (2:3), younger women (2:4), younger men (2:6), and finally slaves (2:9). With all of these, their behavior is to be exhibited as would “accord with sound doctrine” (1:9, 2:1, 2:10).
How Titus 2:9-10 is applied across Bible answers
Does the Bible condone slavery?
Those in the service of another, certainly as a compensated servant but even as "owned property" as would have been the case here, are to in all respects display their godliness in service to their earthly master, since God is their ultimate master.
