Always Remember to Never Forget Where You Came From
Remember Practical Zeal
Though Paul did not repeat it here, his thought was no doubt that this behavior, like that of a Christian slave, will adorn the gospel and make it attractive to others (cf. 2:10). Paul listed seven qualities expected of Christian citizens: (1) to be subject to rulers and authorities; (2) to be obedient (cf. Rom. 13:1–7); (3) to be ready to do whatever is good (cf. Eph. 2:10; 2 Tim. 3:17); (4) to slander no one; (5) to be peaceable and (6) considerate; and (7) to show true humility toward all men.
We are all by nature desirous of power; and the consequence is, that no one willingly is subject to another. Besides, perceiving that nearly all the principalities and powers of the world were at that time opposed to Christ, they thought them unworthy of receiving any honour.
We know that there is nothing to which the disposition of every man is more prone than to despise others in comparison of himself. The consequence is, that many are proud of the gifts of God; and this is accompanied by contempt for their brethren, which is immediately followed by insult. He therefore forbids Christians to glory over others, or to reproach them, whatever may be their own superior excellence.
This would mean that the two nouns are governed by both of the infinitives. Parry suggests that “in each case the second word has the effect of qualifying the first: = ‘to ruling powers which have due authority render the submission of an active obedience.’ ”
πραΰτης means “gentleness, humility, courtesy, considerateness, meekness” (BAGD; see also Spicq, Notes III, 570–81; Leivestad, “Meekness”). It may be best understood by its contrast to its opposites, roughness, bad temper, sudden anger, and brusqueness
Don’t Forget the Sin We Started In
Paul never forgot the sinful condition from which he and his converts had been salvaged (cf. 1 Cor. 6:9–11; Eph. 4:17–24; Col. 3:6–7), and he reminded them of it once more. Instead of the gracious, Christlike people he was encouraging them to be, they once were just the opposite, being foolish instead of sensible, disobedient instead of submissive, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures instead of self-disciplined and ready for every good work.
Thus we see that we must be humbled before God, in order that we may be gentle towards brethren; for pride is always cruel and disdainful of others.