Titus 3:1

This concluding chapter contains sundry instructions for Christians with a warning against factious persons (Titus 3:1-11), a few personal remarks, salutations and the benediction (Titus 3:12-15).

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)

Be in subjection to rulers ... For full discussion of the Christian's relationship to the state, see my Commentary on Romans, pp. 446-451. The authority of human government is of God, and the Christian is instructed to be obedient because such is God's will. Paul's words here are a brief summary of the teaching in Romans 13:1ff and in 1 Peter 2:13ff. Such orders as these are always appropriate, but perhaps they were especially so in Crete. "The Cretans were very dissatisfied with Roman rule, and showed signs of revolt, according to Polybius and Plutarch."[1] The large Jewish population would also gladly have taken part in such a movement. However, the most remarkable thing about Paul's orders here is the consideration that must be given to the way the apostle felt personally toward the Roman state. There is no outcropping of any resentment in any of his letters, but it must surely have been present. Roman governors, through avarice and through incompetence, had kept him in prison for years; Roman authorities had illegally bound him, beaten him with rods, delayed hearing charges against him, and when the charges were not presented, still left him bound for years longer. Beyond that, the glaring immorality and wickedness of Nero were beginning to be known throughout the world, and the eventual consequence of the enthronement of evil would certainly have aroused apprehension in a man like Paul. Yet, in view of all that, he wrote, "Be in subjection to rulers."

To authorities... Rulers are not mere exercisers of earthly power, they are also authorities, possessed of a right that reaches as far as God himself; and such authority must not be disobeyed by Christians, except in those instances where obedience would be disobeying God (Acts 5:29). In instances where it is necessary to disobey the state, due to God's commandments, the child of God is required to submit meekly to the penalties incurred, and without speaking evil of any man.

To be obedient ... This quality of Christian character tends to become rare in a society where violence, extremism and every form of private and public disobedience of the laws of God and man are practiced with impunity, and even glamorized by a secular, rebellious society. Nevertheless, it is the cornerstone of all law and order, and even of civilization itself. The opposite of it is lawlessness, a spirit working even in the culture of Paul's day (2 Thessalonians 2:7), but now even more, and threatening ultimately to usher in the final terror.

To be ready unto every good work ... The church is restricted in its worship and doctrine by the teaching of Christ and the apostles, but here is ample encouragement for Christians to engage in every good work. Here is their authority for taking part in any worthy work. May a Christian run for public office, take part in political campaigns, or serve in positions of community trust? The answer must be affirmative.