Titus 3:1

KJV

¶ Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

KJV (with Strong's)

Put {G5279} them {G846} in mind {G5279} to be subject {G5293} to principalities {G746} and {G2532} powers {G1849}, to obey magistrates {G3980}, to be {G1511} ready {G2092} to {G4314} every {G3956} good {G18} work {G2041},

Complete Jewish Bible

Remind people to submit to the government and its officials, to obey them, to be ready to do any honorable kind of work,

Berean Standard Bible

Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,

American Standard Version

Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Titus 3:1 serves as a foundational apostolic instruction from Paul to Titus, urging believers on Crete to remember their civic duties. It calls Christians to a consistent posture of respectful submission to governing authorities and magistrates, and to maintain a proactive readiness for every good work. This exhortation underscores the importance of exemplary public conduct as a vital component of Christian witness, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel in society.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant transition in Paul's letter to Titus. Having concluded his instructions regarding sound doctrine for various groups within the church in [Titus 2](/titus/2 "Titus 2 - Instructions for Various Groups"), Paul now broadens his focus to the believer's conduct in the wider secular society. Titus 3:1-2 outlines specific behaviors expected of Christians in their public lives, emphasizing respect for authority and general benevolence. This practical instruction then flows into a profound theological explanation in [Titus 3:3-7](/titus/3-3-7 "Titus 3:3-7 - The Basis of Salvation and Transformation"), which grounds these ethical commands in the transformative grace of God, providing the ultimate motivation for such righteous living. The subsequent verses (e.g., [Titus 3:8](/titus/3-8 "Titus 3:8 - Maintaining Good Works")) reinforce the necessity of good works as the fruit of genuine faith.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The island of Crete, where Titus was ministering, was notoriously challenging. Its inhabitants were characterized by Paul himself as "always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons" ([Titus 1:12](/titus/1-12 "Titus 1:12 - Cretans' Character")). In such an environment, where societal norms often clashed with Christian values, it was imperative for believers to distinguish themselves through their conduct. The Roman Empire, under which Crete fell, was the dominant governing authority. While generally tolerant of various religions, it demanded civic loyalty and maintained order through its "principalities and powers." For early Christians, who were often misunderstood or accused of disloyalty (e.g., refusing emperor worship), Paul's instruction to submit to and obey magistrates was crucial for maintaining peace, avoiding unnecessary persecution, and preserving the credibility of the Gospel message. Their good works would serve as a powerful counter-testimony to the prevailing negative stereotypes.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Titus and Pauline theology. A prominent theme is **Christian Citizenship**, which posits that believers are called to be exemplary members of their earthly communities, demonstrating respect for law and order. This is not merely passive compliance but an active engagement that contributes positively to societal well-being. Another crucial theme is **Good Works as Evidence of Faith**. Throughout Titus, Paul emphasizes that while salvation is by grace through faith, it inevitably leads to a life characterized by good deeds. This is seen in [Titus 2:7](/titus/2-7 "Titus 2:7 - Examples of Good Works") (examples of good works), [Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Zeal for Good Works") (zeal for good works), and [Titus 3:8](/titus/3-8 "Titus 3:8 - Maintaining Good Works") (maintaining good works). Finally, the verse implicitly highlights the **Theological Motivation for Ethical Conduct**, as the subsequent verses in [Titus 3](/titus/3 "Titus 3 - God's Grace and Christian Living") clearly link these civic responsibilities to the transforming power of God's grace and mercy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hypotássō (Greek, _hypotássō'_):** Translated as "to be subject," this term (G5293) means "to subordinate; reflexively, to obey." It denotes a voluntary, respectful submission to an established order or authority, rather than a forced or passive subservience. In this context, it implies a willing alignment with the structures of civil governance for the sake of order and peace.
* **exousía (Greek, _exousía'_):** Appearing as "powers" (G1849) and implicitly in "magistrates," this word signifies "privilege," "force," "capacity," "mastery," or "delegated influence." It refers to legitimate authority, whether the office itself or the person holding it. Paul uses it here to encompass all levels of civil government and their representatives, emphasizing their divinely permitted (though not always divinely approved in character) right to govern.
* **hétoimos (Greek, _hétoimos'_):** Rendered "ready" (G2092), this adjective means "adjusted" or "prepared." It conveys a sense of eager willingness and active disposition. Believers are not to grudgingly perform good works but are to be poised and prepared to engage in them, demonstrating an intentional and proactive pursuit of righteousness and service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Put them in mind":** Paul instructs Titus to remind the Cretan believers. This suggests that these principles were not new or unknown, but perhaps easily forgotten or neglected in a challenging cultural context. It implies a pastoral duty to reinforce fundamental truths about Christian living.
* **"to be subject to principalities and powers":** This command directs believers to voluntarily submit themselves to the highest levels of civil government and the established structures of authority. "Principalities" (archḗ, G746) refers to those in positions of leadership or rule, while "powers" (exousía, G1849) refers to the authority or jurisdiction they possess.
* **"to obey magistrates":** This further specifies the nature of submission, moving from the general concept of "principalities and powers" to the concrete act of "obeying magistrates" (peitharchéō, G3980). It calls for active compliance with the laws and directives issued by those in positions of civic authority.
* **"to be ready to every good work":** Beyond mere passive submission or obedience, believers are exhorted to possess an eager and prepared disposition to engage in all forms of beneficial actions. "Good work" (érgon agathós, G2041, G18) encompasses any deed that is morally excellent, beneficial to others, and contributes positively to society, thereby commending the Christian faith.

#### Literary Devices
Titus 3:1 employs several literary devices to convey its urgent and practical message. The verse utilizes **Parallelism**, particularly in the phrases "to be subject to principalities and powers" and "to obey magistrates." While not perfectly synonymous, these clauses reinforce the central theme of civic submission, emphasizing both the general posture towards authority and specific acts of obedience. The use of **Imperative Mood** (implied through Paul's direct command to Titus to "put them in mind") underscores the authoritative and non-negotiable nature of these instructions for Christian conduct. Furthermore, the concept of "good work" functions as a **Leitmotif** throughout the letter to Titus, appearing in various forms (e.g., [Titus 2:7](/titus/2-7 "Titus 2:7 - Examples of Good Works"), [Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Zeal for Good Works"), [Titus 3:8](/titus/3-8 "Titus 3:8 - Maintaining Good Works"), [Titus 3:14](/titus/3-14 "Titus 3:14 - Learning to Engage in Good Works")). This recurring emphasis highlights the critical importance of practical righteousness as an outward manifestation of genuine faith, making it a central theological and ethical concern for the Cretan churches and for believers across all generations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Titus 3:1 articulates a profound theological truth: the Christian's faith is not merely private piety but has public implications, particularly in their relationship with governing authorities. This directive flows from the understanding that all authority, even secular, is ultimately permitted and established by God for the maintenance of order and justice. Therefore, a believer's submission to civil rule is an act of obedience to God, an outworking of the grace that transforms them. This posture of respect and readiness for good works serves as a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating the peace, order, and moral integrity that the Gospel produces. It challenges the notion that spiritual freedom equates to civic lawlessness, instead presenting a counter-cultural model of responsible and beneficial citizenship.

* [Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")
* [1 Peter 2:13-17](/1_peter/2-13-17 "1 Peter 2:13-17 - Living as Free People Under Authority")
* [Matthew 22:21](/matthew/22-21 "Matthew 22:21 - Render to Caesar")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Titus 3:1 remains profoundly relevant for believers in every generation. It calls us to embody the values of the Kingdom of God within our earthly societies, serving as salt and light. In a world often marked by political polarization, distrust of institutions, and social unrest, this verse challenges Christians to adopt a default posture of respect and submission to governing authorities, even when those authorities are imperfect or their policies are disagreed with. This does not imply blind allegiance or compromise of biblical principles when human laws directly contradict divine commands, but rather a commitment to civil order and the common good. Furthermore, the call to be "ready to every good work" compels us to actively seek opportunities to contribute positively to our communities, whether through acts of charity, ethical conduct in our professions, or advocating for justice within legal frameworks. Our exemplary citizenship and tangible good deeds can be a powerful testimony, making the Gospel credible and attractive to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my current attitude and behavior towards governing authorities align with the instruction to "be subject" and "obey magistrates"?**
* **In what practical ways can I actively demonstrate "readiness to every good work" in my local community, workplace, or neighborhood?**
* **When faced with a conflict between human law and God's law, how should a believer discern the appropriate response while still honoring the spirit of Titus 3:1?**

### FAQ
**Does "submission" mean Christians should never protest or oppose government policies?**

Answer: The "submission" commanded in Titus 3:1 (and elsewhere, like [Romans 13:1](/romans/13-1 "Romans 13:1 - Submission to Governing Authorities")) implies a default posture of respect, obedience to law, and a commitment to civil order. It's about recognizing the divine institution of government for the common good. However, this does not equate to blind allegiance or mean Christians must passively accept all government actions. When human laws directly contradict God's clear commands (e.g., [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obeying God Rather Than Men"), where Peter declares, "We must obey God rather than human beings!"), believers are called to obey God. Legitimate means of protest, advocacy, or civil disobedience within the bounds of the law, driven by love, justice, and a desire for righteousness, are not necessarily excluded, but the underlying posture should always be one that honors God and seeks to maintain a credible Christian witness.

**What constitutes "good work" in this context, and why is it so important?**

Answer: "Good work" (Greek: `érgon agathós`) refers to any action that is morally excellent, beneficial, and contributes positively to society and the well-being of others. It encompasses a wide range of deeds: acts of charity, compassion, justice, integrity in business dealings, responsible environmental stewardship, active participation in community improvement, and simply living out Christian virtues in daily interactions. It is important because, as Paul emphasizes throughout Titus, while salvation is by grace through faith, true faith inevitably manifests itself in tangible, visible acts of righteousness. These "good works" are not a means to earn salvation but are the natural fruit of a transformed life, demonstrating the power of the Gospel to change individuals and, through them, influence society for the better (as seen in [Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Titus 3:1, with its call for submission to authority and readiness for good works, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest motivation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Our Lord Himself perfectly exemplified submission, not only to His heavenly Father's will (e.g., [John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus' Will and the Father's")) but also to earthly authorities. He paid taxes ([Matthew 17:27](/matthew/17-27 "Matthew 17:27 - Jesus and the Temple Tax")), submitted to arrest, and endured an unjust trial before Pilate ([John 18:33-37](/john/18-33-37 "John 18:33-37 - Jesus Before Pilate")), ultimately submitting to the most extreme form of human authority in His crucifixion. This act of profound humility and obedience, even unto death, was the greatest "good work" ever accomplished, securing salvation for humanity ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Believers, having been transformed by Christ's saving grace (as explained in [Titus 3:4-7](/titus/3-4-7 "Titus 3:4-7 - God's Kindness and Our Salvation")), are now empowered by the Holy Spirit to walk in His footsteps. Our readiness for "every good work" is a direct response to the "good work" Christ accomplished for us, and it serves as a living testimony to His ongoing work in the world. We are, as [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works") declares, "His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Thus, our civic responsibility and active beneficence are not mere legalistic duties but Christ-centered expressions of our new identity and mission.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 13:1

¶ 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.

Romans 13:7

¶ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Ecclesiastes 10:4

¶ If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.

1 Peter 2:13

¶ Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;

1 Peter 2:17

Honour all [men]. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

Proverbs 24:21

¶ My son, fear thou the LORD and the king: [and] meddle not with them that are given to change:

Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.