At the end of chapter 2, Paul tells Titus to speak to his charges with “all authority.” In chapter 3 he begins by writing certain charges of which Titus should remind them.
First to be subject to rulers and authorities. While Christianity is radical, and we must obey God rather then men when there is a conflict between men and God’s will, in general we are be obedient to our civil government. This is made clear in Romans 13:1-7, as well as Jesus’ willingness to pay taxes to Caesar, cf. Matthew 22:15-22.
Obedience in general should be characteristic of the child of God. To parents, to civil authorities, in the church itself.
They were to be ready to do good, and to refuse to treat others badly. “To speak evil of no one.”
Their character needed to be Christlike, (peaceable, gentle, humble), towards all men. Not living like the Gentiles, rather having the character of their Lord (cf. Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Peter 1:5-7, et al).
As Christians, we are to be different than we were, and than others continue to be.
