Paul starts off by defining the proper attitude of Christians toward those in authority.

Remind implies that what follows is not new information but is already known by those who are being addressed. Sometimes this is expressed by a statement like “Continue to bring these matters to their attention.” See further on 2 Tim 1.6 and 2.14.

Them refers to the Christians in Crete, including and especially all the classes of people mentioned in chapter 2; it is these people who are the object of Titus’ teaching as mentioned in 2.15, to which the present verse is logically connected. Since this is the first verse of a new chapter, it will be helpful in many languages to render Remind them as “Remind the Cretan Christians” or “You should counsel the believers to….”

For submissive see 2.5.

Rulers translates a word that in certain contexts refers to rulers and those who have authority, whether human or nonhuman. In the present context the word definitely refers to those who have authority or power in government, including the emperor and governors. So one may also translate as “people who have power to rule over others.”

Authorities translates the plural form of the word that means “authority,” or “power.” In this context it is not authority as a governing principle that is referred to but the people who hold such authority.

In the New Testament the two Greek terms for rulers and authorities appear together ten times, always in the order found in this verse. Taking into account the way these terms are used in other places, we can conclude safely that rulers and authorities do not refer to the leaders of the Christian movement but to political rulers and government officials. These two terms are almost synonymous in meaning in this context. In fact, the construction here can be treated as a hendiadys, with one term modifying the other; for example, “authorities who rule” or “powerful rulers.” Another possibility, of course, is for translators to find two words, one concentrating on the aspect of “ruling over others,” and the other “the right or authority to rule.” In some languages rulers will be the equivalent of “high chiefs,” and authorities will be “minor chiefs” or “government officials.”

Obedient translates a compound word composed of the word for “obey” and the word for “ruler,” hence King James Version “obey magistrates.” Interpreted in this manner, it is parallel to submissive to rulers …. In some cases it will be possible to say “and not be disobedient” or “and not be rebellious” (so Contemporary English Version).

Ready is “fully prepared.” Honest work is literally “good work,” for which see “good deeds” in 1 Tim 2.10. This may be related to what precedes, in which case it is an expression of obedience and submission to the government authorities; it is more likely, however, that this is related to what follows, in which case honest work here refers to any good deed that is done for the benefit of others. If this latter option is valid, then it is only submission and obedience that defines the Christian’s behavior toward government leaders, while the Christian’s conduct and attitude toward others includes good works and the four items mentioned in the next verse.

An alternative translation model for this verse is:

• You must counsel the Christians there to obey those who have the power to rule (or kings, or high chiefs) and government officials, and not be disobedient. They [the Christians] must always be ready to do good deeds.

Quoted with permission from Arichea, Daniel C. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to Titus. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1995. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .