Tit 3:12-14 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 12. When I shall send Artemas unto thee . This person is not elsewhere mentioned in the New Testament, and nothing more is known of him. Or Tychicus . . Be diligent . . To come unto me to Nicopolis . It was at this place, probably, that this epistle was written. In regard to its situation, see Intro., 4. For I have determined there to winter . Why Paul designed to spend the winter there, or what he purposed to do there, are questions on which no light can now be thrown. There is no evidence that he organized a church there, though it may be presumed that he preached the gospel, and that he did not do it without success. His requesting Titus to leave his important post, and to come to him, looks as if his aid were needed in the work of the ministry there, and as if Paul supposed there was a promising field of labour there.

Titus 3:12-14

Verse 12. When I shall send Artemas unto thee. This person is not elsewhere mentioned in the New Testament, and nothing more is known of him.

Or Tychicus. Acts 20:4.

Be diligent. 2Ti 4:9.

To come unto me to Nicopolis. It was at this place, probably, that this epistle was written. In regard to its situation, see Intro., 4.

For I have determined there to winter. Why Paul designed to spend the winter there, or what he purposed to do there, are questions on which no light can now be thrown. There is no evidence that he organized a church there, though it may be presumed that he preached the gospel, and that he did not do it without success. His requesting Titus to leave his important post, and to come to him, looks as if his aid were needed in the work of the ministry there, and as if Paul supposed there was a promising field of labour there. Verse 13. Bring Zenas the lawyer. This person is not elsewhere mentioned in the New Testament, and nothing more is known of him. He belonged, doubtless, to that class of persons so often mentioned in the New Testament as lawyers; that is, who were regarded as qualified to expound the Jewish laws. Mt 22:35. It does not mean that he practised law, in the modern sense of that phrase, he had doubtless been converted to the Christian faith; and it is not improbable that there were Jews at Nicopolis, and that Paul supposed he might be particularly useful among them.

And Apollos. Acts 18:24. He was also well-skilled in the laws of Moses, being "mighty in the Scriptures," (Acts 18:24,) and he and Zenas appear to have been travelling together. It would seem that they had been already on a journey, probably in preaching the gospel, and Paul supposed that they would be in Crete, and that Titus could aid them.

Diligently. 2Ti 4:9. Gr., Speedily; i.e., facilitate their journey as much as possible.

That nothing be wanting unto them. Nothing necessary for their journey. Paul desired that they might meet with hospitable treatment from Christians in Crete, and might not be embarrassed for the want of that which was needful for their journey. It would seem most probable that they had been sent by Paul on a visit to the churches. Verse 14. And let ours. Our friends; that is, those who were Christians. Paul had just directed Titus to aid Zenas and Apollos himself; and he here adds that he wished that others who were Christians would be characterized by good works of all kinds.

To maintain good works. Marg., profess honest trades. The Greek will admit of the interpretation in the margin, or will include that; but there is no reason why the direction should be supposed to have any peculiar reference to an honest mode of livelihood, or why it should be confined to that. It rather means, that they should be distinguished for good works, including benevolent deeds, acts of charity, honest toil, and whatever would enter into the conception of an upright life. Tit 3:8.

For necessary uses. Such as are required by their duty to their families, and by the demands of charity. Tit 3:8.

That they be not unfruitful. That it may be seen that their religion is not barren and worthless, but that it produces a happy effect on themselves and on society. Jn 15:16; Eph 4:28.

(1) "maintain" "profess honest trades" (a) "good works" Tit 3:8