Titus 3: 1 [KJV AV] Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
Many foolishly think that the original Bible is the English Bible which they hold. They are also ignorant of translations and differences between them.
If we look at today’s scripture, we see serious variations in different translations.
Titus 3:1 [ESV & RSV] Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,
Titus 3:1 [YLT] Remind them to be subject to principalities and authorities, to obey rule, unto every good work to be ready,
Titus 3:1 [ASV] Put them in mind to be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work,
When we read the Greek text, we see the influence of Church traditions, for great importance is put on ‘submission to rulers and authority’, which is contrary to what the actual scripture says.
[Interlinear translation] Cause to remind oneself firstly with power to choose to subordinate [put in subjection] to obey with regards to each deed good ready at hand [prepare] to exist.
If we look at the grammar, all the verbs [to subordinate, to obey, to exist] all are Present Infinite.
It speaks of forcing oneself to obedience [now and time forward] to doing good works/works of faith. But when we read the translations, it seems to be talking of obeying people in authority/Church leaders. As we read the trailing verses, we see they too speak to bring oneself to subjection to moral principles and not to people.
Let us not blindly follow any translation, but understand that there is treasure for us only when we dig deeper into them. Truth is revealed only by abiding in the Spirit of God and not abiding in people. When we are little in Spirit, then we do abide in people, but as we grow, if we are not abiding directly in the Spirit of God, then our mentors have failed us.
If Jesus as man surrendered His disciples to be led by the Holy Spirit and moved out of the way, then we are behaving as greater than Him when we try to be a mentor forever.
[Prayer Starter]
Lord, You are Almighty God. You Lord are God and there is none like You. You alone are True, You never change. Lord, we pray we seek Your Word and not be stiff-necked like the Israelites. We pray we walk in Spirit and be led by Your Spirit to all understanding…
This prayer we make in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
[Reference Scriptures]
Titus 3:2-7
2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, [but] gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
Dated 20 March 2026
Bro Rollwyn