TITUS 2:9 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again;”
Slaves are to be submissive to their own masters in everything, and to be well-pleasing, not talking back — the household code extends to enslaved persons (douloi), requiring submission in all things (en pasin) and positive pleasantness (euarestoi) rather than mere compliance. The prohibition against talking back (antilegontas) means not contradicting or disputing, maintaining order. The list places slaves within the moral community, not as property.
Church Fathers on Titus 2:9
Do you see what he has previously said, “that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.” He therefore is deserving of condemnation, who under pretense of continence separates wives from their husbands, and he who under any other pretext takes away servants from their masters. This is not “speech that cannot be condemned,” but it gives great handle to the unbelieving, and opens the mouths of all against us.
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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