CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES
Titus 2:9. To please them well.—“To give satisfaction.” “Our own servants’ phrase,” says Alford.
Titus 2:10. Not purloining.—Putting anything apart for themselves (Wiesinger). The word is used of the act of Ananias’ keeping back. It was an act of embezzlement of God’s property. May adorn.—Like the wise virgins who trimmed their lamps, these Cretan slaves are to let the light of the teaching shine in them.
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Titus 2:9-10
Christianity and Slavery.
I. Christianity enjoins respectful obedience to the master (Titus 2:9).—The apostles and their successors taught neither to the slaves that they ought to resist a dominion which was immoral both in effect and in origin, nor to the masters that as Christians they were bound to set their servants free. Christianity did indeed labour for the abolition of slavery, but by quite other methods. It taught masters and slaves alike that all men have a common Divine parentage and a common Divine redemption, and consequently are equally bound to show brotherly love, and equally endowed with spiritual freedom. It showed that the slave and his master are alike children of God, and as such free; and alike servants of Jesus Christ, and as such bondmen—bondmen in that service which is the only true freedom. And thus very slowly but surely Christianity disintegrated and dispersed those unwholesome conditions and false ideas which made slavery possible (Plummer). The servant is exhorted to render to his master a ready and cheerful obedience, to strive to gain the good-will of the master by showing an interest in all the work committed to him, and to avoid a contradictious and sullen disposition.
II. Christianity requires honesty and faithfulness in service.—“Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity” (Titus 2:10). Stealing was a common vice of slaves, and their abject and helpless condition nourished the practice. But the Christian servant is taught that to appropriate what belongs to another is a grievous sin in the sight of God and man. He is not simply to appear honest, but to be honest. Plato illustrates what is a truly honest man by the story of Gyges’ ring which made the wearer invisible. He that would be honest when he could be dishonest without being found out was a truly honest man. The honest servant will show all possible fidelity in every act.
III. The genuine religion of a slave is a recommendation of Christianity.—“That they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things” (Titus 2:10). The love of God in becoming our Saviour is a powerful motive to adorn His doctrine in our lives. Adornment makes that which is adorned more conspicuous and better known, and enhances the merit of that which it adorns. Even slaves should not think their example a matter of indifference: their religion exalts and beautifies them. Man does not ennoble religion, but religion ennobles him. The pearl in the oyster sheds a beauty over the whole shell. “The heathen,” said Chrysostom, “do not judge of the Christian’s doctrines from the doctrine, but from his actions and life.”
Lessons.—
1. Christianity did not violently interfere in the early age with the institution of domestic slavery.
2. But introduced principles which, legitimately developed, made slavery impossible.
3. Christianity elevates man in all conditions of life.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES
Titus 2:9-10. The Duties of Servants.
I. Obedience.
II. Acceptableness of service.
III. Respectfulness of manner.
IV. Honesty.
V. Fidelity.