Titus 3 1

Titus 3:1 kjv

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

Titus 3:1 nkjv

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

Titus 3:1 niv

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

Titus 3:1 esv

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

Titus 3:1 nlt

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

Titus 3 verses

Titus 3 1 Meaning

This verse instructs believers, through Titus, to be reminded of their responsibilities towards governing authorities and to consistently exhibit readiness for every form of good work. It emphasizes a posture of voluntary submission and active obedience to established civic structures, as well as proactive engagement in deeds that are morally excellent and beneficial to society, thereby reflecting the transformative power of the Christian faith.

Titus 3 1 Context

Titus 3:1 opens the final section of practical instructions in Paul's letter to Titus, shifting the focus from specific household groups (elders, young women, slaves) to the broader conduct of Christians within the Roman civic society. This transition highlights the pervasive nature of Christian ethics, which impacts not only the internal life of the church but also its outward expression and witness to the world. Paul is establishing the foundational principles for how believers, having been transformed by God's grace, should engage with the pagan Cretan society, notorious for its moral deficiencies (Titus 1:12-13). This instruction serves to ensure that the nascent Christian communities in Crete, and by extension all believers, maintain a reputation of peaceableness and public benefaction, countering potential accusations of sedition or anti-social behavior in a predominantly Roman-controlled environment where new cults were often viewed with suspicion.

Titus 3 1 Word analysis

• Remind (Ὑπομίμνησκε - hypomimnēske): This is a present active imperative, indicating a continuous command to constantly bring these truths to mind. It suggests that these principles might be known but often forgotten, easily overlooked, or culturally challenged, necessitating regular reinforcement. It implies the information isn't new but needs to be fresh and actively applied.
• them (αὐτοὺς - autous): Refers to the believers within the churches Titus is ministering to in Crete.
• to be submissive (ὑποτάσσεσθαι - hypotassesthai): A present middle infinitive, conveying a continuous, voluntary act of aligning oneself under authority. It comes from hypo (under) and tassō (to arrange or order), denoting an organized placing of oneself beneath. This is an attitude of yielding respect for the office and the established order, regardless of the individual character of the one in power.
• to rulers (ἀρχαῖς - archais): Refers to civil leaders, chief officials, or magistrates. It points to the highest levels of governance.
• and authorities (ἐξουσίαις - exousiais): Signifies those with delegated power or legitimate power, often encompassing the entire administrative and governing structure. Together with "rulers," it covers the full spectrum of state governance.
• to be obedient (πειθαρχεῖν - peitharchein): A present active infinitive. From peithō (to persuade or obey) and archē (rule, authority). This emphasizes actively following the commands, laws, and directives given by those in authority, reflecting compliance in practical actions. While "submissive" is about the internal posture, "obedient" describes the external act.
• to be ready (ἑτοίμους εἶναι - hetoimous einai): Signifies an attitude of preparedness, eagerness, or willingness. It implies a proactive stance, not just waiting for opportunities but seeking them.
• for every good work (πρὸς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθὸν - pros pan ergon agathon): "Pros" (towards), "pan" (every/all), "ergon" (work/deed), "agathon" (good, excellent, benevolent, morally upright). This phrase indicates a comprehensive and active commitment to actions that are morally praiseworthy, beneficial to others, and pleasing to God. It encompasses social responsibility beyond mere compliance, highlighting proactive virtue.

• "Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities": This is a foundational instruction for the Church in a world ruled by secular powers. It mandates a deferential posture, acknowledging the God-ordained nature of governmental authority (Rom 13:1). This counters potential anarchist or revolutionary sentiments, emphasizing the Christian's role as a law-abiding citizen.
• "to be obedient": While submission is the attitude of respecting the governing structure, obedience is the concrete action of adhering to the laws and legitimate commands issued by those authorities. It bridges the attitude to tangible conduct.
• "to be ready for every good work": This moves beyond mere compliance or passive submission to active, benevolent contribution. It encapsulates the call for believers to be light in the world, actively seeking opportunities to bless society through ethical living, honest dealings, compassion, and charitable actions, not just in religious contexts but in all aspects of life.

Titus 3 1 Bonus section

• This instruction directly challenged various societal pressures and philosophies prevalent in the Greco-Roman world: it implicitly rebukes Jewish zealot tendencies for rebellion against Roman rule, and it counters certain Gnostic ideas that might have advocated for disdain or withdrawal from the "material" world and its earthly authorities.
• The repetitive nature of Paul's admonitions regarding submission to authority (found also in Rom 13 and 1 Pet 2) signifies the critical importance of this teaching for the stability and effective witness of the early Church. It was a means of preserving the Church's reputation in an often-hostile environment.
• The phrase "every good work" encompasses not just acts of charity or piety but also civic virtues like maintaining peace, honoring contracts, respecting public order, and contributing to the welfare of the state. This highlights the comprehensive scope of Christian living that is not confined to internal church life.
• While submission and obedience are commanded, Christian theology clarifies that these are not absolute. The principle established in Acts 5:29 ("We must obey God rather than men") forms the boundary, indicating that civil disobedience is justifiable when human laws directly conflict with God's clear commands. However, such defiance should be an act of conscience, not rebellion or anarchy, and should ideally be undertaken with preparedness for consequences.

Titus 3 1 Commentary

Titus 3:1 encapsulates Paul's robust teaching on Christian civic duty. It underscores that the radical transformation experienced in salvation should manifest in tangible ways, particularly in a believer's interaction with society and government. The instruction to be "submissive to rulers and authorities" reflects the theological conviction that all legitimate authority ultimately stems from God, thus Christians are to show respect for the office, even if the individual holding it is corrupt. This posture avoids unnecessary friction with secular powers and enables the gospel to spread without political hindrance. Furthermore, the command "to be ready for every good work" elevates Christian living beyond mere passive compliance. It calls believers to be proactive agents of good within their communities, engaging in morally excellent deeds that bless society and adorn the teaching of God their Savior (Titus 2:10). This comprehensive engagement ensures that the Christian faith is not perceived as an abstract belief system but as a powerful force for societal betterment and spiritual renewal. For example, believers are called to be honest in business dealings, contribute positively to community initiatives, and uphold justice, thereby demonstrating their renewed nature.