Titus 2:9 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative,

NIV: Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them,

NASB: Urge slaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be pleasing, not argumentative,

CSB: Slaves are to submit to their masters in everything, and to be well-pleasing, not talking back

NLT: Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back

KJV: Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;

NKJV: Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back,

Verse 9 continues Paul's instructions to Titus on how to guide various groups within the church. This verse is the first of two focused on "bondservants," or "slaves," from the Greek word doulous (plural). Paul considered himself a doulos (singular) of God (Titus 1:1). Paul was not bound to any person, but bondservants were a common part of first century culture and Paul included teachings for them in his letter. He showed concern for their well-being, including urging masters to free slaves whenever possible, such as in his letter to Philemon.

Paul's commands apply to anyone operating under the authority of someone else. According to this text, bondservants are to obey their master in everything. Further, they are to strive to be "well-pleasing." This phrase is similar to God the Father saying He was "well pleased" with Jesus the Son at His baptism (Matthew 3:17). It reflects a person successfully performing the will of the Master. Likewise, the servant is not to be argumentative. Instead of opposing his or her master, the bondservant is to comply, and seek the good of both the master and their household. The goal of this instruction is given in the next verse: so that the actions of the believer will bring glory to God, and His truth.

Titus 2:1–10 is Paul’s instructions to Titus, regarding the way various groups within the church should be coached. It includes specific instructions for older men and women, younger men and women, and servants. Titus is to encourage traits such as faithfulness, respectfulness, dignity, and self-control. Living this way not only draws others to Christ, it leaves critics with no room to attack our faith.

Titus chapter 2 details instructions for various groups within the church. These include older men, older women, younger men, and younger women. Paul commands Titus to encourage these positive behaviors, and to correct anything which contradicts his teachings. Titus is also told to be bold, and authoritative, in his work.

Chapter 2 forms a bridge in the middle of Paul’s letter to Titus. Chapter 1 focused on the character traits of a church leader, contrasted to the immoral culture of Crete. Chapter 2 explains the ideal traits of church members, especially in their acts towards each other. Chapter 3 will focus on the relationship between Christians and their surrounding culture.

The book of Titus is a letter written by the apostle Paul, to a Christian leader on the island of Crete. This is one of Paul’s three Pastoral Epistles, where he offers instructions to younger believers caring for large groups of others. Paul uses the book of Titus to emphasize the importance of selecting church elders carefully. Many of the topics discussed in Titus are mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament. Though the details of this message are specifically for Titus, and the believers of Crete, they offer insight useful for churches today.