Titus 2:9 – “Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them,”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Paul gives Titus instructions on how to teach those who were slaves in the early church. He tells them to be submissive, to seek to please their masters, and not to argue or talk back. That might sound surprising or even troubling to modern ears, but Paul isn’t endorsing slavery-he’s teaching believers how to live in a way that honors God, even in hard and unjust circumstances.
At the heart of this verse is a call to show respect, humility, and a heart willing to serve. Paul isn’t saying that slavery is right; he’s speaking into a reality that existed at the time. Many people who came to faith in Jesus were in slavery, and they needed to know how to follow Christ in that situation.
Paul is urging Christian slaves to act in a way that reflects the goodness of God-to live in such a way that their behavior can’t be criticized. Their respectful and hardworking attitude could serve as a witness to unbelieving masters and others watching. This teaching is consistent with the rest of Scripture: no matter our role in life, we’re called to serve with integrity and honor, as if serving God Himself.
Historical Context
Slavery was a common part of the Roman world during Paul’s time. It wasn’t the same as the race-based slavery seen in more recent history, but it was still a system where people were owned and had very little freedom. Some slaves were treated fairly well, others very poorly. It was deeply embedded in society, and many early Christians were either slaves or slave owners.
Rather than leading a social revolution, Paul focused on how the gospel could transform individual lives within any system, including slavery. As Christianity spread, it planted the seeds that would one day lead to the end of slavery. But in the meantime, Paul wanted believers to reflect Christ, no matter their social position.
For a slave to live with obedience, humility, and a heart that seeks to please-that would have stood out. It would have spoken volumes about the power of the gospel to change a person from the inside out.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches a powerful truth: God is more concerned with our character than our comfort. Whether free or enslaved, rich or poor, male or female-every believer is called to live in a way that reflects Christ.
It also shows that submission and service are not signs of weakness, but signs of strength and trust in God. Christians are called to live under God’s authority, and one way that plays out is by respecting those in authority over us-even when they’re unjust or unkind.
Importantly, this verse does not mean the Bible supports slavery as an ideal. Rather, it shows that the gospel can reach and transform people even in deeply broken systems. The focus here is on living faithfully in the situation a person finds themselves in.
Literary Analysis
This verse is part of a longer section (Titus 2:1–10) where Paul is giving practical instructions to various groups within the church. The words “teach slaves” keep the same pattern Paul has used with older men, older women, younger women, and young men. Each group is told how to live out their faith in a way that fits with sound doctrine.
The commands are straightforward: be subject, try to please, don’t talk back. These aren’t complicated ideas, but they require humility and inner strength. Paul is pointing to outward behavior that reveals an inward commitment to Christ.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Ephesians 6:5-8 – Paul gives similar instructions to slaves, reminding them to serve sincerely, as if serving the Lord.
- Colossians 3:22-24 – Tells slaves to obey their masters in everything and to work with all their hearts as if for the Lord.
- 1 Peter 2:18-20 – Peter urges servants to submit even to harsh masters and to endure suffering with the example of Christ.
- Galatians 3:28 – Paul affirms the equal value of all believers in Christ, regardless of status.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
While most of us are not slaves today, the principles in this verse still apply. Many people work under someone else’s authority-a boss, a supervisor, or a leader. This verse teaches us to serve with humility, respect, and a desire to do what is right, even if the situation is difficult.
It reminds us not to grumble, argue, or act resentful. Instead, we should do our work with excellence and a heart that honors God. When we do this, our lives become a witness to those around us. People notice when someone serves with kindness and diligence, especially when others wouldn’t.
Whether in a job, school, or home setting, Christians are called to reflect Christ by how they serve and how they speak.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God sees everyone-no matter their position in life-and cares deeply for how they are treated. His love does not overlook those in hard situations. In fact, He often draws near to them in a special way.
This verse reminds us that God doesn’t just care about the big picture-He cares about how we live each day, in every role. He loves us enough to give us guidance for even the hardest circumstances, and He walks with us through them.
God also values justice, and throughout Scripture, we see His heart for the oppressed. Even as Paul tells slaves how to live, the bigger story of the Bible is moving toward freedom, dignity, and restoration for all people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Himself took on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:7). He humbled Himself, obeyed the will of the Father, and served others-washing feet, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and laying down His life.
When Christians serve with humility, we follow in His footsteps. Jesus never demanded honor-He earned it through love and sacrifice. In John 13:13-15, after washing His disciples’ feet, He said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”
This verse points us to Christ’s example. When we submit, serve, and speak with grace, we are becoming more like Him-and through that, others may see Him in us.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you apply the attitude of a humble servant in your current job or responsibilities?
- What does it look like to “try to please” those in authority while still honoring God first?
- Are there situations where you’re tempted to “talk back” or show a bad attitude? How can you grow in self-control?
- How does Jesus’ example of humility challenge the way you approach difficult or unfair situations?
- What kind of impact can your respectful behavior have on unbelievers around you?