Titus 3:1
Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,
Remind the believers
The Greek word for "remind" is "ὑπομιμνῄσκω" (hypomimnēskō), which means to bring to remembrance or to call to mind. This implies a continuous action, suggesting that believers need regular reminders of their duties. The phrase underscores the pastoral responsibility of Titus to continually instruct and encourage the church in Crete. The term "believers" refers to those who have accepted the Christian faith, emphasizing the communal and shared identity in Christ. This reminder is not just a suggestion but a necessary exhortation for maintaining a godly life.

to be subject to rulers and authorities
The phrase "to be subject" comes from the Greek "ὑποτάσσω" (hypotassō), meaning to arrange under or to subordinate. This reflects a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden. The "rulers and authorities" refer to governmental and civil leaders. In the historical context of the Roman Empire, Christians were often viewed with suspicion, and their allegiance to Christ could be seen as subversive. Paul’s instruction here is a call for Christians to demonstrate their faith through respectful and lawful conduct, thereby silencing any accusations against them and promoting peace.

to be obedient
The Greek word "πειθαρχέω" (peitharcheō) means to obey or to be persuaded by authority. This obedience is not blind but is rooted in a conscious decision to follow the laws and directives of those in authority, as long as they do not contradict God’s commands. This reflects a broader biblical principle found in Romans 13:1-7, where Paul elaborates on the Christian duty to respect and obey governing authorities as instituted by God.

to be ready for every good work
The phrase "to be ready" is derived from the Greek "ἑτοιμάζω" (hetoimazō), which means to prepare or make ready. This readiness is an active state of preparedness, indicating that believers should be eager and willing to engage in good deeds. "Every good work" encompasses all actions that reflect God’s goodness and love, aligning with the Christian calling to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16). This readiness for good works is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, as believers live out their faith in practical and tangible ways, impacting their communities positively.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Titus
A trusted companion of the Apostle Paul, Titus was a Gentile convert who played a significant role in the early church. Paul left him in Crete to organize the church and appoint elders.

2. Paul
The Apostle Paul is the author of the letter to Titus. He wrote this epistle to provide guidance and instruction for church leadership and Christian living.

3. Crete
An island in the Mediterranean Sea where Titus was stationed to oversee the church. The Cretan culture was known for its moral laxity, which posed challenges for the early Christians there.

4. Rulers and Authorities
Refers to the governing bodies and officials of the time. In the Roman Empire, these would have been both local and imperial authorities.

5. Believers
The Christian community in Crete, whom Titus was leading and instructing according to Paul's guidance.
Teaching Points
Submission to Authority
Christians are called to respect and obey governmental authorities as an expression of their faith and trust in God's sovereignty.

Obedience as Witness
By being obedient citizens, believers can serve as a positive witness to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel.

Preparedness for Good Works
Christians should be proactive and ready to engage in good works, reflecting the character of Christ in their communities.

Balancing Obedience and Conscience
While submission to authority is important, believers must also discern when obedience to God takes precedence over human laws, especially when they conflict with God's commands.

Role of Reminders
The need for constant reminders in the Christian life highlights the importance of teaching and discipleship in maintaining a faithful walk with Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the instruction to be subject to rulers and authorities in Titus 3:1 relate to the broader biblical teaching on submission to authority?

2. In what ways can being obedient to authorities serve as a witness to non-believers in our community?

3. What are some practical examples of "every good work" that believers should be ready to engage in today?

4. How can we discern when to obey God rather than human authorities, especially in situations where the two may conflict?

5. Why is it important for believers to be reminded of these instructions, and how can we incorporate regular reminders into our spiritual practices?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Romans 13:1-7: Paul also instructs the Roman Christians to submit to governing authorities, emphasizing that all authority is established by God.

1 Peter 2:13-17: Peter echoes the call to submit to every human authority for the Lord's sake, highlighting the importance of living as good citizens.

Ephesians 2:10: Paul speaks of believers being created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do, aligning with the call to be ready for every good work.
Political DutiesT. Croskery Titus 3:1
Avoiding Evil SpeakingW. Baxendale.Titus 3:1-2
Christian DutyT. Taylor, D. D.Titus 3:1-2
Christian GentlenessT. Taylor, D. D.Titus 3:1-2
Christian MeeknessT. Taylor, D. D.Titus 3:1-2
Christian UsefulnessJ. Burns, D. D.Titus 3:1-2
Christians Should be Taught Good CitizenshipProfessor B. Pierce.Titus 3:1-2
Civil DutiesJ. O. Dykes, D. D.Titus 3:1-2
Contention to be AvoidedT. Taylor, D. D.Titus 3:1-2
Cure for Evil SpeakingA. W. Hare, M. A.Titus 3:1-2
DetractionW. Moodie, D. D., T. Taylor, D. D.Titus 3:1-2
DutyD. Thomas, D. D.Titus 3:1-2
Evil SpeakingArchbishop Tillotson.Titus 3:1-2
Evil SpeakingIsaac Barrow, D. D.Titus 3:1-2
Gentleman DefinedJ.C. Hare.Titus 3:1-2
Honouring AuthorityH. W. Beecher.Titus 3:1-2
MeeknessTitus 3:1-2
Ministers RemembrancersT. Taylor, D. D.Titus 3:1-2
Obedience to Civil MagistratesN. Emmons, D. D.Titus 3:1-2
On Evil SpeakingJ. Jortin, D. D.Titus 3:1-2
Readiness to Good Works Explained and RecommendedJ. Benson.Titus 3:1-2
Sin of Evil SpeakingF. W. Robertson, M. A.Titus 3:1-2
Subjection to Civil RulersHenry Dove, D. D.Titus 3:1-2
Subjection to the StateW.M. Statham Titus 3:1, 2
The Authority of LawF. Wagstaff.Titus 3:1-2
The Christian CitizenC. S. Robinson, D. D.Titus 3:1-2
The Christian CitizenMonday Club SermonsTitus 3:1-2
The Christian's Loyalty to Secular GovernmentD. C. Hughes, M. A.Titus 3:1-2
The Might of MeeknessJ. O. Dykes, D. D.Titus 3:1-2
The Subject's DutyJohn Cleaver, M. A.Titus 3:1-2
To the Active ChristianG. Brooks.Titus 3:1-2
DutyD. Thomas Titus 3:1-3
People
Apollos, Paul, Titus, Tychicus, Zenas
Places
Crete, Nicopolis
Topics
Action, Authorities, Authority, Clear, Deed, Honest, Magistrates, Mind, Obedient, Obey, Ordered, Powers, Prepared, Principalities, Ready, Remind, Rule, Rulers, Subject, Subjection, Submissive, Submit, Themselves, Whatever
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Titus 3:1

     4065   orderliness
     5219   authority, human institutions
     5255   citizenship
     5257   civil authorities
     5509   rulers
     5542   society, positive
     5840   eagerness
     5959   submission
     8243   ethics, social
     8304   loyalty
     8310   morality, and creation
     8329   readiness
     8456   obedience, to authorities
     8493   watchfulness, believers

Titus 3:1-2

     5765   attitudes, to people
     5931   resistance
     5951   slander
     8264   gentleness
     8467   reminders

Library
Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in the Soul.
Titus iii. 5, 6. Titus iii. 5, 6. Not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. IF my business were to explain and illustrate this scripture at large, it would yield an ample field for accurate criticism and useful discourse, and more especially would lead us into a variety of practical remarks, on which it would be pleasant
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

Of Evil-Speaking in General.
"To speak evil of no man."--Titus iii. 2. These words do imply a double duty; one incumbent on teachers, another on the people who are to be instructed by them. The teacher's duty appeareth from reflecting on the words of the context, which govern these, and make them up an entire sentence: put them in mind, or, rub up their memory to do thus. It is St. Paul's injunction to Titus, a bishop and pastor of the Church, that he should admonish the people committed to his care and instruction,
Isaac Barrow—Sermons on Evil-Speaking, by Isaac Barrow

The Regenerating Work of the Holy Spirit.
The Apostle Paul in Titus iii. 5, R. V., writes, "Not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost." In these words we are taught that the Holy Spirit renews men, or makes men new, and that through this renewing of the Holy Spirit, we are saved. Jesus taught the same in John iii. 3-5, "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again,
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

Whether the Foreknowledge of Merits is the Cause of Predestination
Whether the Foreknowledge of Merits is the Cause of Predestination We proceed to the fifth article thus: 1. It seems that the foreknowledge of merits is the cause of predestination. For the apostle says: "whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate" (Rom. 8:29), and the gloss of Ambrose on the words "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy" (Rom. 9:15) says: "I will have mercy on whom I foreknow will return to me with his whole heart." It thus appears that the foreknowledge of merits is the
Aquinas—Nature and Grace

Whether Christians are Bound to Obey the Secular Powers?
Objection 1: It seems that Christians are not bound to obey the secular power. For a gloss on Mat. 17:25, "Then the children are free," says: "If in every kingdom the children of the king who holds sway over that kingdom are free, then the children of that King, under Whose sway are all kingdoms, should be free in every kingdom." Now Christians, by their faith in Christ, are made children of God, according to Jn. 1:12: "He gave them power to be made the sons of God, to them that believe in His name."
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Foreknowledge of Merits is the Cause of Predestination?
Objection 1: It seems that foreknowledge of merits is the cause of predestination. For the Apostle says (Rom. 8:29): "Whom He foreknew, He also predestined." Again a gloss of Ambrose on Rom. 9:15: "I will have mercy upon whom I will have mercy" says: "I will give mercy to him who, I foresee, will turn to Me with his whole heart." Therefore it seems the foreknowledge of merits is the cause of predestination. Objection 2: Further, Divine predestination includes the divine will, which by no means can
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether any Merits Preceded the Union of the Incarnation?
Objection 1: It would seem that the union of the Incarnation followed upon certain merits, because upon Ps. 32:22, "Let Thy mercy, o Lord, be upon us, as," etc. a gloss says: "Here the prophet's desire for the Incarnation and its merited fulfilment are hinted at." Therefore the Incarnation falls under merit. Objection 2: Further, whoever merits anything merits that without which it cannot be. But the ancient Fathers merited eternal life, to which they were able to attain only by the Incarnation;
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Sacraments are the Cause of Grace?
Objection 1: It seems that the sacraments are not the cause of grace. For it seems that the same thing is not both sign and cause: since the nature of sign appears to be more in keeping with an effect. But a sacrament is a sign of grace. Therefore it is not its cause. Objection 2: Further, nothing corporeal can act on a spiritual thing: since "the agent is more excellent than the patient," as Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. xii). But the subject of grace is the human mind, which is something spiritual.
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether There Should be Seven Sacraments?
Objection 1: It seems that there ought not to be seven sacraments. For the sacraments derive their efficacy from the Divine power, and the power of Christ's Passion. But the Divine power is one, and Christ's Passion is one; since "by one oblation He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified" (Heb. 10:14). Therefore there should be but one sacrament. Objection 2: Further, a sacrament is intended as a remedy for the defect caused by sin. Now this is twofold, punishment and guilt. Therefore two
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Sacrament of Penance May be Repeated?
Objection 1: It would seem that the sacrament of Penance should not be repeated. For the Apostle says (Heb. 6:4, seqq.): "It is impossible for those, who were once illuminated, have tasted also the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost . . . and are fallen away, to be renewed again to penance." Now whosoever have done penance, have been illuminated, and have received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Therefore whosoever sin after doing penance, cannot do penance again. Objection 2: Further,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Every Human Law is Derived from the Natural Law?
Objection 1: It would seem that not every human law is derived from the natural law. For the Philosopher says (Ethic. v, 7) that "the legal just is that which originally was a matter of indifference." But those things which arise from the natural law are not matters of indifference. Therefore the enactments of human laws are not derived from the natural law. Objection 2: Further, positive law is contrasted with natural law, as stated by Isidore (Etym. v, 4) and the Philosopher (Ethic. v, 7). But
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Isidore's Description of the Quality of Positive Law is Appropriate?
Objection 1: It would seem that Isidore's description of the quality of positive law is not appropriate, when he says (Etym. v, 21): "Law shall be virtuous, just, possible to nature, according to the custom of the country, suitable to place and time, necessary, useful; clearly expressed, lest by its obscurity it lead to misunderstanding; framed for no private benefit, but for the common good." Because he had previously expressed the quality of law in three conditions, saying that "law is anything
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Human Law Should be Framed for the Community Rather than for the Individual?
Objection 1: It would seem that human law should be framed not for the community, but rather for the individual. For the Philosopher says (Ethic. v, 7) that "the legal just . . . includes all particular acts of legislation . . . and all those matters which are the subject of decrees," which are also individual matters, since decrees are framed about individual actions. Therefore law is framed not only for the community, but also for the individual. Objection 2: Further, law is the director of human
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Schism is a Special Sin?
Objection 1: It would seem that schism is not a special sin. For "schism," as Pope Pelagius I says (Epist. ad Victor. et Pancrat.), "denotes a division." But every sin causes a division, according to Is. 59:: "Your sins have divided between you and your God." Therefore schism is not a special sin. Objection 2: Further, a man is apparently a schismatic if he disobeys the Church. But every sin makes a man disobey the commandments of the Church, because sin, according to Ambrose (De Parad. viii) "is
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Obedience is a Special virtue?
Objection 1: It seems that obedience is not a special virtue. For disobedience is contrary to obedience. But disobedience is a general sin, because Ambrose says (De Parad. viii) that "sin is to disobey the divine law." Therefore obedience is not a special virtue. Objection 2: Further, every special virtue is either theological or moral. But obedience is not a theological virtue, since it is not comprised under faith, hope or charity. Nor is it a moral virtue, since it does not hold the mean between
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Heretics Ought to be Tolerated?
Objection 1: It seems that heretics ought to be tolerated. For the Apostle says (2 Tim. 2:24,25): "The servant of the Lord must not wrangle . . . with modesty admonishing them that resist the truth, if peradventure God may give them repentance to know the truth, and they may recover themselves from the snares of the devil." Now if heretics are not tolerated but put to death, they lose the opportunity of repentance. Therefore it seems contrary to the Apostle's command. Objection 2: Further, whatever
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Salvation by Grace. Titus 3:3-7.
Salvation by grace. Titus 3:3-7. [Lord, we confess our num'rous faults, How great our guilt has been! Foolish and vain were all our thoughts, And all our lives were sin. But, O my soul! for ever praise, For ever love his name, Who turns thy feet from dangerous ways Of folly, sin, and shame.] ['Tis not by works of righteousness Which our own hands have done; But we are saved by sovereign grace Abounding through his Son.] 'Tis from the mercy of our God That all our hopes begin; 'Tis by the water
Isaac Watts—The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts

If any Bishop, Presbyter, Deacon, Sub-Deacon, Lector, Cantor, or Door-Keeper Has had Intercourse with A...
If any bishop, presbyter, deacon, sub-deacon, lector, cantor, or door-keeper has had intercourse with a woman dedicated to God, let him be deposed, as one who has corrupted a spouse of Christ, but if a layman let him be cut off. Notes. Ancient Epitome of Canon IV. A cleric coupled to a spouse of God shall be deposed. In the case of a layman he shall be cut off. This canon is found in the Corpus Juris Canonici, Gratian's Decretum, Pars II., Causa XXVII., Q. I., c. vj. A layman ravishing a nun, by
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils

Luther --A Stone on the Cairn
'For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: 37. But He, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.'--ACTS xiii. 36, 37. I take these words as a motto rather than as a text. You will have anticipated the use which I purpose to make of them in connection with the Luther Commemoration. They set before us, in clear sharp contrast, the distinction between the limited, transient work of the servants and the unbounded,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Postscript. Meaning Op the Word Regeneration.
To what I have said in the conclusion of the first discourse concerning the proper import of the word Regeneration, I beg leave to add the following remarks for the farther satisfaction of some worthy persons, who think it may be convenient to state the matter a little more particularly. I ACKNOWLEDGE that many learned and pious divines have taught and contended, that Regeneration does, in the strictest propriety of speech, signify Baptism--so that no unbaptized person, how well disposed soever,
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

Salvation.
Salvation is the song that was to be sung by the redeemed in that day. "Behold now is the day." Our salvation has come. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men." Salvation means deliverance. A prophecy concerning the Christ--our salvation--says: "He hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." Isa. 61:1. Christ our Savior came to deliver us from the prison-house of sin. In the
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

For He Himself Also, with an Eye to the Like Necessities of Saints...
16. For he himself also, with an eye to the like necessities of saints, who, although they obey his precepts, "that with silence they work and eat their own bread," may yet from many causes stand in need of somewhat by way of supplement to the like sustenance, therefore, after he had thus said, teaching and premonishing, "Now them which are such we command and beseech in our Lord Jesus Christ, that with silence they work and eat their own bread;" [2521] yet, lest they which had whereof they might
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

Whether Grace and virtues are Bestowed on Man by Baptism?
Objection 1: It seems that grace and virtues are not bestowed on man by Baptism. Because, as stated above ([4464]Q[62], A[1], ad 1), the sacraments of the New Law "effect what they signify." But the baptismal cleansing signifies the cleansing of the soul from guilt, and not the fashioning of the soul with grace and virtues. Therefore it seems that grace and virtues are not bestowed on man by Baptism. Objection 2: Further, one does not need to receive what one has already acquired. But some approach
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Faith is Required of Necessity in the Minister of a Sacrament?
Objection 1: It seems that faith is required of necessity in the minister of a sacrament. For, as stated above [4401](A[8]), the intention of the minister is necessary for the validity of a sacrament. But "faith directs in intention" as Augustine says against Julian (In Psalm xxxi, cf. Contra Julian iv). Therefore, if the minister is without the true faith, the sacrament is invalid. Objection 2: Further, if a minister of the Church has not the true faith, it seems that he is a heretic. But heretics,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

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