Titus 2:10 – “And not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse continues Paul’s instructions to Titus about how slaves-or servants-should behave in their roles. He had already told them to be obedient, not talk back, and now he adds another command: they must not steal. Instead, they are to show themselves trustworthy.
Why? Because their behavior has the power to reflect either positively or negatively on the message of Jesus. Paul says their honest, faithful conduct can make the teaching about God “attractive.” In other words, their lives can draw people toward the truth about God, or push them away.
This is about more than just work ethic-it’s about showing that the gospel really changes people. If someone says they believe in Jesus but still cheats, lies, or steals, their words lose all meaning. But if someone is humble, faithful, and trustworthy-even when no one is watching-it points to something real and powerful inside them.
Historical Context
In the Roman Empire, slaves were often treated as property. They had limited rights and were sometimes known for being dishonest-not because they were worse than others, but because they were in a hard system that often bred resentment or survival-driven behavior.
Many slaves in the early church had recently come to faith in Christ, and their new life in Jesus called for a new way of living. Paul doesn’t approve of slavery as a system, but he’s speaking into a broken culture and giving instructions that show how Christians-even those in low or difficult positions-can still live in a way that honors God.
For the church to be strong in a culture that was watching closely and often criticizing believers, it was crucial that every Christian, in every walk of life, live with integrity.
Theological Implications
This verse reminds us that Christian belief is always meant to be lived out. Faith isn’t just something we talk about-it should change how we act, especially in the areas where temptation is strong, like money, honesty, and power.
Paul’s command also shows that every believer, no matter their position or status, has a part to play in pointing others to God. Even a slave-someone with little social standing-could make the teaching about God look beautiful and true just by living with honesty and faithfulness.
This verse also reminds us that the gospel isn’t just about personal salvation-it’s about how we live in the world. Our behavior can either build up or tear down the reputation of Christ and His message.
Literary Analysis
This verse wraps up Paul’s instructions to slaves in Titus 2:9–10. He moves from general behavior (obedience, respect) to a specific command (don’t steal) and then ends with a purpose statement-“so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.”
The structure builds up to this final point: Christian conduct isn’t just about following rules-it’s about making the truth of the gospel visible to others. The word “attractive” here means beautiful, appealing, or winsome. It’s a rare and powerful way to talk about how our lives can shine with the beauty of God’s truth.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Ephesians 4:28 – “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands…”
- Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
- 1 Peter 2:12 – “Live such good lives among the pagans that… they may see your good deeds and glorify God.”
- Colossians 3:22-24 – Urges bondservants to obey not only outwardly but with sincerity of heart, working as for the Lord.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
Most of us aren’t slaves, but many of us work under someone else’s authority-whether in a job, school, or another setting. This verse reminds us that how we work matters to God. Being honest, faithful, and trustworthy isn’t just good character-it’s part of our Christian witness.
If we claim to follow Jesus, but we cut corners at work, lie to our boss, or act carelessly with someone else’s property, we send a mixed message. But when we serve well, even in tough or thankless jobs, we show that our hope is not in the approval of others-it’s in God.
In a world where trust is often broken, a Christian who can be counted on stands out in a powerful way.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love isn’t just about saving us from sin-it’s about shaping us into people who reflect His goodness. He wants us to live with honesty, integrity, and faithfulness because that’s what’s best for us and because it points others to Him.
God doesn’t look at people the way the world does. He doesn’t overlook the person in the low position. He sees every act of faithfulness, every honest decision, every small choice to do what’s right-and He uses those moments to display His grace.
This verse shows us that God’s love transforms even the most difficult parts of life into opportunities to glorify Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the perfect example of a servant who lived with full integrity. He said in John 8:29, “I always do what pleases Him,” referring to the Father. His life was marked by complete honesty, humility, and faithfulness-even when no one understood Him or gave Him credit.
Jesus also taught that those who are faithful in little things will be trusted with more (Luke 16:10). When we follow Christ, we are called to live in that same way-honoring God in the big moments and the small ones.
Through Jesus, we’re not only forgiven, but we are empowered by His Spirit to live differently-to put off old habits like stealing or dishonesty, and to put on new ways of living that show the world what God is like.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- In what areas of life are you tempted to cut corners or be less than honest?
- How can your faithfulness in work or service reflect the goodness of God?
- What do people see about your beliefs when they observe how you live and speak?
- How can you grow in becoming a person others can fully trust?
- What would it look like for your life to “make the teaching about God our Savior attractive”?