Titus 3:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,

NIV: Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,

NASB: Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed,

CSB: Remind them to submit to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,

NLT: Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good.

KJV: Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

NKJV: Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,

Verse 1 begins an emphasis on applying the teachings Paul has spoken of in chapters 1 and 2. The culture of Crete was famous for immorality (Titus 1:12–13), and these verses instruct the Christians under Titus' leadership not to be part of it. The term "them" used in this verse is in reference to these Christian church members of Crete.

Paul uses the word "remind," which means these teachings are not new. These are probably instructions taught by Paul when he was at Crete with Titus. Three specific commands are given in this verse. First, believers are to be "subject to," or "submissive to" authority figures. This is a frequent teaching of the New Testament. Christians are to submit to—not necessarily obey—authorities such as government (Romans 13). We are also instructed to pray for governing leaders (1 Timothy 2:1–4).

Second, Titus is to teach believers to "be obedient," which is separate from submission. A person who refuses to comply with an unjust law, but who accepts the resulting punishment from the government is being submissive, not obedient. Believers are called on to obey God, when the commands of God and men contradict (Acts 5:29). However, in most cases, we are to comply with the laws and instructions of authority figures. Obedience was also an important theme in the Old Testament, as well as a common teaching for believers in the New Testament. Obedience is not part of earning salvation or becoming right with God, but is an expectation for the believer (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Third, Titus was to teach believers to "be ready" to do good works. This is similar to Ephesians 2:10, which teaches that we are created in Christ, in order to do the good deeds God planned for us in advance.

Titus 3:1–3 applies the teachings Paul gave Titus in chapters 1 and 2. Crete was famous for its immoral culture, but this letter encourages Christians to live according to better principles. This passage contrasts seven worthy behaviors (associated with belief), to seven sins (associated with unbelief). Paul tells Titus to “remind” people of these ideas, meaning they have been taught already.

Paul reminds Titus of seven positive behaviors, and seven contrasting sins, which he is to insist on teaching correctly. False teachers are to be cut off, not given a public platform. Believers are not to waste time bickering, but focus on good works and urgent needs. This passage also explains how salvation is entirely the result of God’s grace, not our own good deeds.

Titus chapter 1 focused on the character traits of a church leader, contrasted to the immoral culture of Crete. Chapter 2 explained the ideal traits of church members, especially in their acts towards each other. Chapter 3 focuses on the relationship between Christians and their surrounding culture. Through goodness and peace, we are to make a positive impact, so people will see Christ in us.

The book of Titus is a letter written by the apostle Paul, to a Christian leader on the island of Crete. This is one of Paul’s three Pastoral Epistles, where he offers instructions to younger believers caring for large groups of others. Paul uses the book of Titus to emphasize the importance of selecting church elders carefully. Many of the topics discussed in Titus are mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament. Though the details of this message are specifically for Titus, and the believers of Crete, they offer insight useful for churches today.