Purloining ( νοσφιζομένους); literally, separating for their own use what does not belong to them. So Acts 5:2, Acts 5:3, "to keep back part." It is used in the same sense by the LXX. Joshua 7:1 of Achan, and 2Ma 4:32 of Menelaus, and occasionally in classical Greek (Xenophon, Polybius, etc.
). Showing ( ἐνδεικνυμένους). It occurs eleven times in the New Testament, viz. twice in Hebrews, and nine times in St. Paul's acknowledged Epistles. All good fidelity. All fidelity means fidelity in everything where fidelity is required in a faithful servant—care of his master's property, conscientious labor, keeping of time, acting behind his master's back the same as before his face.
The singular addition ἀγαθήν, coming after ἐνδεικνυμένους, must mean, as Bengel says, "in all good things." The duty of fidelity does not extend to crime or wrong-doing. The word "good" is like the addition in the oath of canonical obedience, "in all honest things," and is a necessary limitation to the preceding "all" (see Titus 3:1, and note).
The doctrine ( τὴν διδασκαλίον) as in verse 1 (where see note). In Titus 1:9 (where see note) ἡ διδαχή is used in the same way. This use of διδασκαλία is confirmed by the reading of the R.T., which inserts a second τήν before τοῦ σωτῆρος.
Adorn the doctrine. The sentiment is the same as that in 1 Peter 2:12; 1 Peter 4:11. Christians are exhorted to give glory to God, and support and honor to the gospel of God's grace, by their good works and holy lives.
God our Savior (see 1 Timothy 1:1; 1 Timothy 2:3; 1 Timothy 4:10; and above, Titus 1:3, note). In all things ( ἐν πᾶσιν); as 1 Peter 4:11.