to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.
We are all by nature greedy for power, unwilling to submit to anyone, and we saw the magistrates opposed to Christ and thought them unworthy of honor. Paul commands subjection to rulers and obedience to their laws and edicts not as optional, but as a general duty binding on all believers.
AI summary
Commenting on Titus 3:1-15
Ministers must remind people of their duties as God reminds them through us; forgetfulness is common. Magistracy is God's ordinance for good, and Christians must submit willingly and for conscience' sake, not merely from fear, so that enemies cannot slander the faith as seditious.
AI summary
Commenting on Titus 3:1-8
To speak evil of no man,.... As not of one another, so not of the men of the world, to the prejudice of their names and characters, which are tender things, and ought to be gently touched; nor of magistrates, principalities, and powers, of persons in dignity and authority, which the false teachers were not afraid to speak evil of, and by their principles and...