Biblion Bible Commentary
Read the introduction to Titus · About this commentary
Subject to Rulers, Gentle to All
Titus 3:1-2
1 Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, · WEB
The conduct required inside the household is now required outside it, toward authorities and toward everyone.
Remind them, verse 1 begins, and the reminding implies they had been told. Be subject to rulers and authorities, obedient, ready for every good work. Paul argues the principle at length elsewhere, that governing authority is God's servant Romans 13:1, and Peter gives the same charge to scattered believers 1 Peter 2:13–14. Here it is compressed to a clause, because the letter's interest is the character it takes rather than the theory behind it.
Verse 2 widens past the state to everyone: speak evil of no one, avoid quarreling, be gentle, showing all humility toward all men. The last two words matter on Crete. The island's reputation had just been quoted in the harshest terms available Titus 1:12. The believer who has heard that verdict is now told to show humility toward all men, which necessarily includes the people the verdict was about. The letter permits a hard assessment of a culture and forbids contempt for anyone in it.
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