Titus 3:12-15
VI. Final Instructions and Greetings (3:12–15).
3:12. As usual, Paul ended his letter with some personal allusions. Though it is not known where Paul was when he wrote this epistle, he was planning to winter at Nicopolis on the Adriatic coast of Greece. Paul exhorted Titus to do his best to join him there as soon as Artemas or Tychicus arrived. Evidently Paul intended to send one of the two to relieve Titus in Crete. Of Artemas nothing is known. (On Tychicus, see comments on 2 Tim. 4:12.)
3:13. Zenas the lawyer is mentioned nowhere else in the New Testament, and nothing is known about him, not even whether he was Jewish or Roman. But Apollos was a familiar fellow worker. The apostle’s instructions seem to suggest that both Zenas and Apollos were in Crete and that Titus was in a position to see that they have everything they need. Servants of Christ who are called to travel from place to place have always received support from the churches (cf. 3 John 6–8).
3:14. Some have suggested that the Cretan Christians may have manifested some of their countrymen’s traits (cf. 1:12) and were therefore unable to provide for daily necessities, much less be of use to anyone else. This is probably behind Paul’s reference to unproductive lives. In any case Paul had been stressing the need for good works, not to earn salvation but to serve others, and he pointedly reiterated it here. He expressed the same thought to the Ephesian congregation (Eph. 4:28).
3:15. It is not known who was included in the phrase everyone with me. Those who love us in the faith obviously excluded the false teachers who opposed Paul. The closing greeting, grace be with you all, is similar to that in both 1 and 2 Timothy. The plural word you indicates an awareness on Paul’s part that he was addressing a broader audience than just Titus.
12. When I shall send—have sent.
Artemas or Tychicus—to supply thy place in Crete. Artemas is said to have been subsequently bishop of Lystra. Tychicus was sent twice by Paul from Rome to Lesser Asia in his first imprisonment (which shows how well qualified he was to become Titus’ successor in Crete); Eph 6:21; and in his second, 2 Ti 4:12. Tradition makes him subsequently bishop of Chalcedon, in Bithynia.
Nicopolis—“the city of victory,” called so from the battle of Actium, in Epirus. This Epistle was probably written from Corinth in the autumn. Paul purposed a journey through AEtolia and Acarnania, into Epirus, and there “to winter.” See my Introduction to the Pastoral Epistles.
13. Bring … on their journey—Enable them to proceed forward by supplying necessaries for their journey.
Zenas—the contracted form of Zenodorus.
lawyer—a Jewish “scribe,” who, when converted, still retained the title from his former occupation. A civil lawyer.
Apollos—with Zenas, probably the bearers of this Epistle. In 1 Co 16:12, Apollos is mentioned as purposing to visit Corinth; his now being at Corinth (on the theory of Paul being at Corinth when he wrote) accords with this purpose. Crete would be on his way either to Palestine or his native place, Alexandria. Paul and Apollos thus appear in beautiful harmony in that very city where their names had been formerly the watchword of unchristian party work. It was to avoid this party rivalry that Apollos formerly was unwilling to visit Corinth though Paul desired him. HIPPOLYTUS mentions Zenas as one of the Seventy, and afterwards bishop of Diospolis.
14. And … also—Greek, “But … also.” Not only thou, but let others also of “our” fellow believers (or “whom we have gained over at Crete”) with thee.
for necessary uses—to supply the necessary wants of Christian missionaries and brethren, according as they stand in need in their journeys for the Lord’s cause. Compare Tit 1:8, “a lover of hospitality.”
15. Greet—“Salute them that love us in the faith.” All at Crete had not this love rooted in faith, the true bond of fellowship. A salutation peculiar to this Epistle, such as no forger would have used.
Grace—Greek, “The grace,” namely, of God.
with you all—not that the Epistle is addressed to all the Cretan Christians, but Titus would naturally impart it to his flock.
Paul announced his plans for the future. Another worker, Artemas or Tychicus, would be sent to replace Titus in Crete. Titus did not need to carry the burden alone. This transition situation offered Paul one more chance to stress the idea that believers need to be characterized by noble deeds. All the workers with Paul joined in sending greetings. Paul’s typical closing blessings are addressed to all to whom Titus was to share Paul’s greetings.
Theological Significance. Like the other pastoral letters, Paul’s letter to Titus focuses on keeping the faith and refuting heresy. Especially significant, considering the nature of the Cretan heresy, are the repeated emphases on doctrinal fidelity (2:11–14; 3:4–7) and faithful living (1:16; 2:7, 14; 3:1, 8, 14). The letter makes it plain that the Christian life is grounded in the grace of God (2:11–14). Believers must recognize this truth and rebuke heresy and avoid legalism (1:10–16). This can be done only by grace; grace that saves, grace that teaches, grace that strengthens, and grace that enables. In so doing we can see the relationship between doctrine and practice.
MAIN IDEA REVIEW: Paul wanted Titus to remind the Cretan Christians to behave with propriety and to be gracious, kind citizens. Followers of Christ are to remember their associations and sinful past in order to live humbly among their neighbors and to exhibit gratitude to God for his mercy. Paul warned against becoming enmeshed in legalistic controversies and esoteric speculations. Christianity is meant to influence others for Christ and his kingdom, resulting in goodness to all people.
