Titus 3:1
Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
Titus 3:1 in other translations
| BSB | Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work, |
|---|---|
| WEB | Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, |
| ASV | Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work, |
| YLT | Remind them to be subject to principalities and authorities, to obey rule, unto every good work to be ready, |
| DARBY | Put them in mind to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient to rule, to be ready to do every good work, |
| BBE | Make clear to them that they are to put themselves under rulers and authorities, to do what they are ordered, to be ready for every good work, |
| Webster | Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, |
What does Titus 3:1 mean?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
Tit 3:1-15. What Titus Is to Teach Concerning Christians' Behavior towards the World: How He Is to Treat Heretics: When and Where He Is to Meet Paul. Salutation. Conclusion.
1. Put them in mind--as they are in danger of forgetting their duty, though knowing it. The opposition of Christianity to heathenism, and the natural disposition to rebellion of the Jews under the Roman empire (of whom many lived in Crete), might lead many to forget practically what was a recognized Christian principle in theory, submission to the powers that be. Diodorus Siculus mentions the tendency of the Cretans to riotous insubordination. to be subject--"willingly" (so the Greek). principalities ... powers--Greek, "magistracies ... authorities." to obey--the commands of "magistrates"; not necessarily implying spontaneous obedience. Willing obedience is implied in "ready to every good work." Compare Ro 13:3, as showing that obedience to the magistracy would tend to good works, since the magistrate's aim generally is to favor the good and punish the bad. Contrast "disobedient" (Tit 3:3).Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain
Barnes' Notes
ANALYSIS OF THE CHAPTER.
THIS chapter comprises the following subjects :--
(1.) Titus was to instruct his hearers to be subject to lawful authority, and in general to manifest meekness and gentleness towards all classes of men, Tit 3:1, 2.
(2.) A reason is assigned why they should do this, Tit 3:3-8. They who were Christians were once, indeed, like others, disobedient and unholy; they were regardless of law, and gave free indulgence to their evil propensities, but they had been redeemed for a better purpose, and it was the design of God in redeeming them, that they should manifest every kind of virtue.
(3.) Titus was to avoid foolish questions, and contentions, and strifes about the law, Tit 3:9.
(4.) He who was a heretic was to be rejected after suitable admonitions, Tit 3:10,11.
(5.) Paul directs Titus to come to him at Nicopolis, and to bring Zenas and Apollos with him, Tit 3:12-14.
(6.) He closes with the customary salutations, Tit 3:15.
Verse 1. Put them in mind to be subject, etc. See the duty here enjoined, explained Rom 13:1, seq.
Principalities and powers. See these words explained Rom 8:38. The word here rendered powers, (εξουσιαις,) is not, indeed, the same as that which is found there, (δυναμεις,) but the same idea is conveyed. Comp. Eph 1:21.
To obey magistrates. That is, to obey them in all that was not contrary to the word of God. Rom 13:1, seq.; Acts 4:19, Acts 4:20.
To be ready to every good work. To be prepared for (ετοιμους); prompt to perform all that is good. Php 4:8. A Christian should be always ready to do good as far as he is able. He should not need to be urged, or coaxed, or persuaded, but should be so ready always to do good that he will count it a privilege to have the opportunity to do it.
(a) "subject" Rom 13:1
Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Introduction
The necessity of obedience to the civil powers, and of meek and gentle deportment towards all men, is to be diligently enforced, Tit 3:1, Tit 3:2. The wretched state of man, previously to the advent of Christ, Tit 3:3. The wonderful change which the grace of God makes, and the means which it uses to bring men to glory, Tit 3:4-7. The necessity of a holy life, and of avoiding things which produce strifes and contentions, and are unprofitable and vain, Tit 3:8, Tit 3:9. How to deal with those who are heretics, Tit 3:10, Tit 3:11. St. Paul directs Titus to meet him at Nicopolis, and to bring Zenas and Apollos with him, Tit 3:12; 13. Concluding directions and salutations, Tit 3:14, Tit 3:15. Verse 1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities, etc. - By principalities, αρχαις, we are to understand the Roman emperors, or the supreme civil powers in any place. By powers, εξουσιαις, we are to understand the deputies of the emperors, such as proconsuls, etc., and all such as are in authority - under the supreme powers wherever we dwell. See the doctrine of obedience to the civil powers discussed at large in the notes on Rom 13:1-7. This doctrine of obedience to the civil powers was highly necessary for the Cretans, who were reputed a people exceedingly jealous of their civil privileges, and ready to run into a state of insurrection when they suspected any attempt on the part of their rulers to infringe their liberties. Suidas, under the word ανεσειον, they stirred up, gives the following fragment: Οἱ δε Κρητες, φοβουμενοι μη τι τιμωριας τυχωσιν, ανεσειον τα πληθη, παρακαλουντες την εξ αιωνος παραδεδομενην ελευθεριαν διαφυλαττειν. "But the Cretans, fearing lest they should be punished, stirred up the populace, exhorting them that they should carefully preserve that liberty which they had received from their ancestors." What part of the history of Crete this refers to I cannot tell; the words stand thus insulated in Suidas, without introduction or connection. To be jealous of our civil rights and privileges, and most strenuously to preserve them, is highly praiseworthy; but to raise a public tumult to avoid merited chastisement, under pretense that our civil privileges are in danger, is not the part of patriots but insurgents. For such advice as that given here the known character of the Cretans is a sufficient reason: "They were ever liars, ferocious wild beasts, and sluggish gluttons." Such persons would feel little disposition to submit to the wholesome restraints of law.Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on Titus 3:1-7
Matthew Henry, 1706 · public domain
Titus 3:1 in the original Greek
Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.
Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).
Cross references for Titus 3:1
- Romans 13:1-7
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. …
- 1 Peter 2:13-17
Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. …
- Ecclesiastes 10:4
If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.
- Galatians 6:9-10
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
- Proverbs 24:21
My son, fear thou the Lord and the king: and meddle not with them that are given to change:
- Matthew 22:21
They say unto him, Cesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cesar the things which are Cesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.
- 2 Timothy 2:21
If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
- Hebrews 13:21
Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
- 1 Timothy 5:10
Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
- 2 Timothy 1:6
Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
- Ecclesiastes 8:2-5
I counsel thee to keep the king’s commandment, and that in regard of the oath of God. Be not hasty to go out of his sight: stand not in an evil thing; for he doeth whatsoever pleaseth him. Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou? Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man’s heart discerneth both time and judgment.
- Deuteronomy 17:12
And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest that standeth to minister there before the Lord thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die: and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel.
Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
10 He is to reject obstinate heretics.
12 He appoints him time and place wherein he should come unto him.
Put.
Isa 43:26; 1Ti 4:6; 2Ti 1:6; 2Pe 1:12; 3:1,2; Jude 1:5
to be subject.
De 17:12; Pr 24:21; Ec 8:2-5; 10:4; Jer 27:17; Mt 22:21; 23:2,3
Ro 13:1-7; 1Ti 2:2; 1Pe 2:13-17
to be ready.
8,14; 2:14; 1Co 15:58; Ga 6:9,10; Eph 2:10; Php 1:11; Col 1:10
1Ti 5:10; 2Ti 2:21; Heb 13:21
Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain
Context
- Titus 3:1
Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
- Titus 3:2
To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
Titus 3:1 in other languages
| Spanish Reina-Valera 1909 | AMONÉSTALES que se sujeten á los príncipes y potestades, que obedezcan, que estén prontos á toda buena obra. |
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| French Bible J.N. Darby 1885 | Rappelle-leur d’être soumis aux principautés et aux autorités, d’être obéissants, d’être prêts à toute bonne œuvre, |
| German Elberfelder 1871 | Erinnere sie, Obrigkeiten und Gewalten untertan zu sein, Gehorsam zu leisten, zu jedem guten Werke bereit zu sein; |
| Latin Clementine Vulgate | Admone illos principibus, et potestatibus subditos esse, dicto obedire, ad omne opus bonum paratos esse: |