Titus 2:10

Titus 2:10 is part of Paul's practical instructions to Titus concerning the conduct of various groups within the church on the island of Crete. Specifically, this verse addresses the behavior expected of servants (or slaves in that cultural context), emphasizing that their actions should bring honor to the Christian faith.

Context

The Apostle Paul, writing to his protégé Titus, provides a comprehensive guide for establishing and maintaining order and sound doctrine within the Cretan churches. Chapter 2 gives specific instructions for different age groups and social statuses: older men, older women, younger women, younger men, and finally, servants (verses 9-10). The underlying purpose of these behavioral guidelines is not merely social etiquette, but to ensure that the lives of believers are consistent with the sound doctrine they profess, thereby making the Gospel attractive to outsiders.

Key Themes

• Integrity and Honesty: The phrase "Not purloining" directly condemns theft, embezzlement, or any form of dishonest appropriation of another's property or resources. In the context of servants, this was a specific temptation, but it applies universally to all Christians in all their dealings.
• Faithfulness and Trustworthiness: "But shewing all good fidelity" is the positive command. It calls for complete reliability, loyalty, and trustworthiness. Christians are to be exemplary in their commitment to their responsibilities and in their honesty, even when unsupervised. This "good fidelity" should be evident "in all things."
• Adorning the Doctrine: The ultimate goal of this exemplary conduct is to "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour." To "adorn" (Greek: kosmeō) means to arrange, embellish, or make beautiful. Just as adornments enhance beauty, the faithful and honest conduct of believers makes the Christian message appealing, credible, and attractive to those who observe their lives.
• God Our Saviour: This phrase emphasizes the divine origin and redemptive power of the Christian message. The doctrine is not merely human philosophy but revelation from God, who is our Saviour, underscoring the high stakes of personal conduct in representing Him.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "purloining" is nosphizomai (νοσφίζομαι), which means to set apart for oneself, to embezzle, or to defraud. This term was used in Acts 5:2 concerning Ananias and Sapphira, who "kept back part of the price." The call here is for complete transparency and honesty.

The word for "fidelity" is pistis (πίστις), often translated as "faith." However, in this context, it carries the meaning of trustworthiness, reliability, and faithfulness, particularly in a relationship of trust, such as between a servant and master. It implies consistent, dependable behavior.

To "adorn" is kosmeō (κοσμέω), from which we get words like "cosmetics" or "cosmos" (an ordered universe). It suggests that their actions should bring beauty, order, and honor to the Gospel message, making it attractive and respected in the world. Their conduct literally "beautifies" the truth of God.

Practical Application

While originally addressed to servants, the principles of Titus 2:10 are timeless and apply to all believers in every sphere of life. Whether in the workplace, within families, in business dealings, or in public service, Christians are called to demonstrate impeccable integrity and trustworthiness. Our actions are a powerful testimony. When believers are known for their honesty, reliability, and diligent work, it disarms critics and makes the Gospel message more appealing. Conversely, dishonesty or laziness can discredit the faith. Our daily conduct should consistently "let our light shine before men", so that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. This verse reminds us that true evangelism is not just about words, but about lives lived in a way that truly "adorns" the truth of God.