‘Not purloining’, pilfering. Do we pilfer time, perhaps by lack of punctuality, or by half-hearted work? We must pick the time that we witness to others so as not to hinder them or ourselves from doing a full day’s work.
They will understand. ‘This slave – I purchased him when he was a little lad. He has been trained in my household to be obedient, to accept no payment. I don't allow him to marry. I don't give him anything. He has absolutely no prospect whatsoever. What has happened to him? The way he works, and his reliability, and the way his whole life has changed! This is a miracle.’ He has been saved. He is adorning the doctrine and representing it. He should be the opposite. He should be sullen and surly.’ That is the meaning of the passage, but we transport it into our own age: ‘That they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.’ We serve with cheerfulness – that speaks volumes.