Titus 2:9

The standard of holy living for slaves

9. Exhort servants The verb is supplied from Titus 2:6. The phrases and the necessary limits of Christian counsel to slaves are touched on in notes 1 Timothy 6:1-2 Lewin well observes here -at that time slavery was a civil institution, which Christianity without any civil power could not disturb." The more special counsel here may have been suggested by some particular cases of insubordination among the restless Cretans. See above on Titus 1:12.

The Teaching of the Twelve Apostlesgives a still stronger admonition -Ye servants shall be in subjection to your masters as to a figure of Godin reverence and fear."

to be obedient As R.V. to be in subjection, cf. Titus 2:5. The adjective well pleasing is frequently used by St Paul, but (except here) with -God"; so the verb and adverb in Ep. to Hebrews. Vulg. -in omnibus placentes." The context suggests as most natural the addition of to them to complete the sense.

not answering again Vulg. -contradicentes," not gainsaying, i.e, withstanding, cf, Titus 1:9; John 19:12, -speaketh against," margin R.V. -opposeth Cæsar"; Romans 10:21, -a disobedient and gainsaying people"; Hebrews 12:3, -him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against themselves"; Jude II, -perished in the gainsaying of Korah." The Old Eng. -withsay" is a curious link between -gainsay" and -withstand". Compare the German wider and gegen.

The Bible Word Book, p. 280, quotes from Gower:

-There may no man his hap withsain."