Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
Put them in mind - as they are in danger of forgetting their duty, though knowing it. The opposition of Christianity to paganism, and the Jews' tendency to rebellion against the Roman empire, might lead many in Crete to forget practically the Christian principle recognized in theory, submission to the powers that be. Diodorus Siculus mentions the Cretians' insubordination. They had been now 125 years under Roman rule. Metellus conquered Crete, B.C. 67. Previously they had a democracy.
Principalities ... powers, х archais (G746), exousiais (G1849)] - 'magistracies ... authorities.' To be subject - willingless х hupotassesthai (G5293)].
To obey - commands of 'magistrates' х peitharchein (G3980)], not spontaneous obedience. Willing obedience is implied in "ready to every good work." Romans 13:3 shows that obedience to the magistracy tends to good, since the magistrate's aim generally is to favour the good and punish the bad. Contrast "disobedient," Titus 3:3.