Titus 3:1-2 1Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2to slander no one, peaceable, to be gentle, always showing consideration for all people.
Paul continues his instructions to Titus but now focuses upon the whole church instead of the groups listed in 2:1-10. Titus is to remind the Cretan believers of what Paul had taught throughout his travels. Paul gives a short list of virtues and vices. These believers should have known these directions to some degree, but it is always helpful and needed to be reminded of how a Christian ought to live.
The list starts with positive qualities. Christians ought to be model citizens by respecting those in authority. To be subject involves accepting the God-given position of those who rule (Romans 13:1). Obviously, God and God’s Word have higher authority than human authorities, but Christians still should be respectful and obedient to local laws as long as they do not violate Scripture or conscience. Being obedient will be a more effective witness than rebellion (2:10). Jesus set the pattern by giving to “Caesar what is Caesar’s” (Matthew 22:21). Jeremiah encouraged the people of Judah to seek the good of the place they lived (Jer. 29:7). Paul broadens the effectiveness of this obedience by urging them to do whatever is good.
Paul transitions in this verse to more personal relationships by listing vices to be avoided. To slander (blasphēmein) comes from the same word for blaspheme and means to tarnish the name of someone else. There are times to confront difficult people (3:10), but Christians should not ruin someone’s reputation deliberately. The word for peaceable (amachous) carries the idea of being noncombative and easy to get along with. This will be shown in consideration of others through being courteous and respectful. The key for all of these characteristics is humility or gentleness (prautēta). This humility is not passive and internal but active and outward towards all people.
Paul knew the harsh realities of abusive governments, having been beaten and imprisoned a number of times (2 Corinthians 11:21-33). Yet, he had a confidence that Christians can make a difference in the world. Christians ought to be model citizens who serve as channels of God’s grace, becoming Christ-like in whatever civil setting they find themselves. The only way this will be possible is through what comes next in the letter.
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