Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Titus 3:1

"Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work," — Titus 3:1 (ASV)

Christians have a duty to government. “The people” refers to the members of the churches, not to all Cretans in general. “Remind” indicates that the duties now insisted on are not new to them; Titus must repeatedly press these duties upon their consciences. Early Christian preaching was never limited to the way of salvation but included instructions concerning the practical implications of that salvation for daily living. Paul wants believers to make a favorable impression on the non-Christian world.

The duty of believers is “to be subject to rulers and authorities.” “To be subject” (GK 5718) implies voluntary acceptance of this position of submission. “Rulers and authorities” signifies not the individual rulers but the various forms of human government (cf. also Ro 13:1–7; 1 Peter 2:13–17); the known turbulence of the Cretans made such an instruction particularly appropriate here.

“To be obedient” (GK 4272) states the result and visible demonstration of their attitude of submission. The context implies obedience to the particular demands of government, though the practice of obedience is not to be limited to these areas. It is assumed that the obedience demanded does not contradict explicit Christian duties.

As good citizens, believers must also “be ready to do whatever is good”—be prepared and willing to participate in activities that promote the welfare of the community. They must not stand coldly aloof from praiseworthy enterprises of government but show good public spirit, thus proving that Christianity is a constructive force in society.