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Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. Titus 3:1-2
Titus, who was converted to Christianity under Paul’s preaching (Titus 1:4), was of Greek descent (Galatians 2:3), and therefore was a Gentile by birth. He traveled with Paul on occasion (2 Corinthians 8:23; Galatians 2:1), and when they visited Crete, Paul decided to leave Titus there to appoint elders in every town (Titus 1:5).
As Titus began to organize the church there, Paul wanted him to remind believers to be subject to rulers and to be peaceable, gentle, and humble toward all men. This was no easy task, given the history and culture of Crete, Adam Clarke makes the following observation in his Commentary on the Bible:
This doctrine of obedience to the civil powers was highly necessary for the Cretans, who were reputed a people exceedingly jealous of their civil privileges, and ready to run into a state of insurrection when they suspected any attempt on the part of their rulers to infringe their liberties.
How quick are you to consider running into a state of insurrection when you suspect rulers might be infringing on your liberties? Do Paul’s words in today’s verses convict you? How might obedience to civil authorities earn a hearing for the Gospel?
Titus, who was converted to Christianity under Paul’s preaching (Titus 1:4), was of Greek descent (Galatians 2:3), and therefore was a Gentile by birth. He traveled with Paul on occasion (2 Corinthians 8:23; Galatians 2:1), and when they visited Crete, Paul decided to leave Titus there to appoint elders in every town (Titus 1:5).
As Titus began to organize the church there, Paul wanted him to remind believers to be subject to rulers and to be peaceable, gentle, and humble toward all men. This was no easy task, given the history and culture of Crete, Adam Clarke makes the following observation in his Commentary on the Bible:
This doctrine of obedience to the civil powers was highly necessary for the Cretans, who were reputed a people exceedingly jealous of their civil privileges, and ready to run into a state of insurrection when they suspected any attempt on the part of their rulers to infringe their liberties.
How quick are you to consider running into a state of insurrection when you suspect rulers might be infringing on your liberties? Do Paul’s words in today’s verses convict you? How might obedience to civil authorities earn a hearing for the Gospel?
