Titus Chapter 3

Paul grounds gracious public conduct in God’s saving kindness, rebukes profitless disputes, and closes with travel plans and greetings.

Titus 3:1-2

Gracious Citizens in a Watching World

Titus 3:3-7

The Kindness That Saved Us

Titus 3:8-11

Good Works Instead of Empty Quarrels

Titus 3:12-15

Fellow Workers, Hospitality, and Grace

Titus 3:1

“Put them in mind” signals that Titus is not introducing novel ethics. The Cretan believers had already been taught these duties, yet every congregation needs regular reminders, especially when new converts arrive with old habits. Having addressed relationships within the household and the church in chapter 2, Paul now turns outward to the believer’s life under civil government and among unbelieving neighbors.

“Principalities and powers” here refers to human rulers and officials at every level, from local magistrates to the imperial administration. Crete had been brought under Roman control about a century before, and its people had a long history of faction and resentment toward outside authority. A movement that worshiped a crucified Jew and spoke of another King could easily be suspected of sedition. Paul therefore asks believers to be “subject” and to “obey magistrates,” the second verb stressing ready compliance with lawful regulations. The instruction carries weight because Paul himself had been beaten, imprisoned, and misjudged by officials; his counsel flows from conviction, not from comfortable experience.

The phrase “to be ready to every good work” widens obedience into active usefulness. Christians are not to be grudging subjects who merely avoid trouble. They should be the first to support what promotes justice, relief, and the common good. The same phrase also marks a boundary. Readiness is for good works. When a ruler commands what God forbids, the believer’s higher loyalty stands, as the apostles declared before the council in Jerusalem. Submission is the rule; disobedience is reserved for the narrow case in which obedience would mean sin.

Behind the whole verse lies the concern that runs through the letter: the conduct of believers either adorns or discredits “the doctrine of God our Saviour” (2:10). Peaceable, cooperative citizens commend the gospel to a suspicious world, and they leave accusers with nothing true to say against the name of Christ.

Study Links

Cross References

Word / Phrase Notes

ὑπομίμνῃσκε (hypomimnēske) — put them in mind

A present imperative meaning “keep reminding.” The form suggests an ongoing pastoral habit rather than a single announcement. Apostolic teaching often works by recalling what believers already know so that familiar truth governs present conduct.

ἀρχαῖς ἐξουσίαις ὑποτάσσεσθαι (archais exousiais hypotassesthai) — to be subject to principalities and powers

Elsewhere Paul can use this pair of nouns for spiritual powers, but the following reference to magistrates shows that civil authorities are meant here. The verb describes accepting one’s place under an ordered authority, the same verb used for the household relationships of chapter 2.

Titus 2:9