Titus 3:1

Put them in mind. Every new generation, and each new member received into the Christian church, needs, often, to hear of the civic responsibilities that rest upon the Christian. Because the merit of the gospel is measured by the worth of its adherents, the Christian church must stand before the world as a body of superior men and women, neglecting no opportunity to relieve community need and cooperating in every way to support the forces of law and order. Hitherto, the apostle’s counsel has consisted of counsel with respect to relationships and duties within the church family. He now turns to the pagan world, outside the church community.

Subject. Probably this counsel was specially needed in Crete. Crete had been under Roman rule for over a century, and its people fretted under foreign domination, as did the Jews. Paul’s counsel on loyalty to the government was most appropriate. For a discussion of the relationship that should exist between Christians and pagan governments see on Rom. 13:1-7.

Principalities and powers. Or, “rulers and authorities.” These would include all levels of civil administration, from the local officials to the emperor at Rome.

Obey. Christians are to be known for their loyalty to the civil authorities in matters such as tax collections and community projects. Neglect of civic responsibilities brings needless reproach upon the church. Peace and order are an integral part of the Christian message. Disloyalty and sedition would not commend Christianity to the pagan world.

Paul’s counsel testifies to his own nobility of character. His experience with the Roman government had not been pleasant. Paul had been imprisoned, fettered, hindered, beaten, and threatened because Roman officials had listened to the malicious stories invented by his implacable Jewish enemies.

Good work. A genuine Christian should be recognized as an upright, patriotic citizen, who eagerly supports every governmental program designed to relieve hardship and to establish equity. At the same time the Christian is conscience bound to refrain from any governmental activity that denies basic rights to any man or that encourages evil practices.