Titus Chapter 3

“Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, etc.] Not angels, good or bad, which are sometimes so called, but men in high places; the higher powers ordained of God, as the apostle elsewhere calls them; and which the Apostle Peter distinguishes into the king as supreme, and into governors under him: the Roman emperor and senate, the consuls, and proconsuls, deputies and governors of provinces and islands, are here meant; particularly such who were appointed over the island of Crete. Now the reasons why the apostle exhorts Titus to put in remembrance those that were under his care, to yield a…”

“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. (Tit 3:1-15) 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.…”

“Put them in mind to be subject ... - See the duty here enjoined, explained in the notes at Romans 13:1, following. Principalities and powers - See these words explained in the notes at Romans 8:38. The word here rendered “powers” (ἐξουσίαις exousiais), is not, indeed, the same as that which is found there (δυνάμεις dunameis), but the same idea is conveyed; compare the notes at Ephesians 1:21. To obey magistrates - That is, to obey them in all that was not contrary to the word of God; Romans 13:1 note, following; Acts 4:19-20 notes. To be ready to every good work - “To be prepared for” (ἑτοίμους hetoimous);…”

“Remind them - All the Cretan Christians. To be subject - Passively, not resisting. To principalities - Supreme. And powers - Subordinate governors. And to obey - Them actively, so far as conscience permits. Titus 3:2”

“3:1-11 The emphasis on wholesome teaching (1:9; 2:1) continues; Paul turns now to the relationship of the Christian community with society at large (cp. 1 Tim 2:2-4). As in Titus 2:1-15, God’s instructions for his people (3:1-2) are based on his dealings with them (3:3-7; cp. study note on 2:11-15). Paul then instructs Titus to avoid fruitless disputes and to insist on beneficial teaching (3:8-11). 3:1 Paul might be telling the believers to make a clear distinction between themselves and the unruly common masses. Alternatively, the troublemakers (1:10-15; 3:10) might have adopted unruly behaviors that stemmed…”

“Put: Isa 43:26; Ti1 4:6; Ti2 1:6; Pe2 1:12, Pe2 3:1, Pe2 3:2; Jde 1:5 to be subject: Deu 17:12; Pro 24:21; Ecc 8:2-5, Ecc 10:4; Jer 27:17; Mat 22:21, Mat 23:2, Mat 23:3; Rom 13:1-7; Ti1 2:2; Pe1 2:13-17 to be ready: Tit 3:8, Tit 3:14, Tit 2:14; Co1 15:58; Gal 6:9, Gal 6:10; Eph 2:10; Phi 1:11; Col 1:10; Ti1 5:10; Ti2 2:21; Heb 13:21 Titus 3:2”