Slaves were known for their readiness to embrace new religions. [1] For this reason Paul may have given instructions to those of them that had become Christians. Paul"s words to slaves begin with a general request followed by four principles arranged chiastically (positive, negative, negative, positive) the first two of which address attitude and the last two fidelity. [2][source]
Believing slaves were (1) to be submissive to their own masters in everything and (2) to try to please their masters. They were (3) to refrain from talking back when given instructions, (4) not to steal from them, and (5) to prove completely trustworthy. Again the reason for this kind of behavior follows. It is that such behavior is in harmony with and therefore adorns (contributes to the enhancement of by providing a complimentary setting for) the teaching concerning God our Savior. [source][source][source]
"Since slaves were part of the Hellenistic household, it is quite possible that the false teachers" disruption of Cretan households ( Titus 1:11) accounts for the kind of disrespectful behavior among slaves implied by this set of instructions. Something similar had occurred in Ephesus (see 1 Timothy 6:1-2)." [3][source]
"Where all around there is disrespect or indifference to those in authority, a Christian"s respectful attitude and speech, backed up by good performance, will demonstrate that God"s message of salvation produces positive, visible results. This is an opportunity for witness that we must not miss." [4][source]
"There are no slaves in our [5] society today, but there are employees. Christian workers must obey orders and not talk back. They must not steal from their employers. Millions of dollars are lost each year by employers whose workers steal from them, everything from paper clips and pencils to office machines and vehicles. "They owe it to me!" is no excuse. Neither Isaiah , "Well, I"ve earned it!""" [6][source]