Titus 3:12
As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.
As soon as I send
The phrase "As soon as I send" indicates a sense of urgency and immediacy in Paul's instructions. The Greek word for "send" is "πέμπω" (pempo), which implies a deliberate action of dispatching someone with a purpose. In the context of the early church, sending a trusted individual was a significant decision, reflecting the importance of the mission and the trust placed in the person being sent. This highlights the apostolic authority and the organized nature of the early Christian mission.

Artemas or Tychicus
Artemas and Tychicus are mentioned as potential emissaries. Artemas is not mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament, suggesting he was a lesser-known but trusted associate of Paul. Tychicus, on the other hand, is mentioned in other epistles (Ephesians 6:21, Colossians 4:7), known as a beloved brother and faithful minister. The inclusion of these names underscores the communal and collaborative nature of Paul's ministry, where various individuals played crucial roles in spreading the Gospel and supporting the early church.

to you
The "you" refers to Titus, a trusted companion and fellow worker of Paul. Titus was left in Crete to set in order what was unfinished and appoint elders in every town (Titus 1:5). This personal address highlights the close relationship between Paul and Titus, emphasizing the mentorship and leadership development within the early church. It also reflects the personal nature of Paul's letters, which were not just doctrinal but also relational.

make every effort
The phrase "make every effort" translates the Greek "σπούδασον" (spoudason), which conveys a sense of diligence, eagerness, and earnestness. Paul is urging Titus to prioritize this task, reflecting the importance of their meeting. This call to action is a reminder of the dedication and commitment required in Christian service, encouraging believers to pursue their spiritual duties with zeal and determination.

to come to me
Paul's request for Titus to "come to me" indicates a desire for personal fellowship and collaboration. The early church valued face-to-face interactions, which were essential for encouragement, instruction, and mutual support. This reflects the communal aspect of Christianity, where relationships and personal connections are vital for spiritual growth and effective ministry.

in Nicopolis
Nicopolis, meaning "city of victory," was a city in the Roman province of Epirus. Paul's decision to winter there suggests it was a strategic location for his ministry. The historical context indicates that Nicopolis was a significant city, possibly providing opportunities for evangelism and strengthening the church. This choice reflects Paul's strategic planning in his missionary journeys, always seeking to maximize the impact of the Gospel.

because I have decided to winter there
Paul's decision to "winter there" shows his practical approach to ministry. Winter travel in the ancient world was difficult and dangerous, so staying in one place was a wise decision. This phrase highlights Paul's foresight and planning, ensuring that his ministry was effective and sustainable. It also reflects the reality of adapting to circumstances while remaining committed to the mission of spreading the Gospel.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Artemas
A Christian worker mentioned only here in the New Testament. He was considered by Paul as a potential replacement for Titus in Crete, indicating his reliability and trustworthiness in ministry.

2. Tychicus
A faithful companion of Paul, mentioned in several of his letters. Known for his role as a messenger and encourager, Tychicus was trusted by Paul to deliver important letters and updates to various churches.

3. Titus
A close associate of Paul, serving as a leader in the church in Crete. Paul’s instructions to Titus reflect his role in establishing and strengthening the church there.

4. Nicopolis
A city where Paul planned to spend the winter. Its mention indicates Paul's strategic planning for his missionary journeys and the importance of fellowship and support among early Christian leaders.

5. Paul's Wintering
The event of Paul deciding to spend the winter in Nicopolis highlights the practical considerations of travel and ministry in the ancient world, as well as the importance of planning for effective ministry.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Reliable Leaders
Paul’s consideration of Artemas and Tychicus to replace Titus underscores the need for trustworthy and capable leaders in the church. We should strive to develop and support such leaders in our communities.

Strategic Planning in Ministry
Paul’s decision to winter in Nicopolis shows the importance of planning and strategy in ministry. We should seek God’s guidance in making wise decisions for the growth and sustainability of our ministries.

The Value of Fellowship and Support
Paul’s request for Titus to join him highlights the importance of fellowship and mutual support among believers. We should prioritize building strong relationships within the body of Christ.

Flexibility in God’s Work
The potential change in Titus’s location reminds us to be open to God’s leading and flexible in our service, ready to move or change roles as He directs.

Encouragement and Communication
The role of Tychicus as a messenger emphasizes the importance of communication and encouragement within the church. We should actively seek to encourage and uplift one another through our words and actions.
Bible Study Questions
1. What qualities do you think made Artemas and Tychicus suitable candidates to replace Titus in Crete, and how can we cultivate these qualities in our own lives?

2. How does Paul’s strategic planning for his travels and ministry challenge us to think about our own approach to serving God and others?

3. In what ways can we prioritize fellowship and mutual support within our church communities, following the example of Paul and Titus?

4. How can we remain flexible and open to God’s leading in our lives, especially when it comes to changes in our roles or locations?

5. What practical steps can we take to improve communication and encouragement within our church or small group, inspired by the example of Tychicus?
Connections to Other Scriptures
2 Timothy 4:12
Tychicus is mentioned as being sent to Ephesus, showing his role as a trusted messenger and leader in the early church.

Colossians 4:7-8
Tychicus is described as a beloved brother and faithful minister, emphasizing his character and dedication to the work of the Gospel.

2 Corinthians 8:16-17
Titus is commended for his earnest care for the Corinthians, reflecting his commitment and pastoral heart.

Acts 20:4
Tychicus is listed among Paul's companions, indicating his involvement in Paul's missionary activities.
Christian CharacterW.M. Statham Titus 3:8, 14
The Worthless, the Pernicious, and the Desirable in Social LifeD. Thomas Titus 3:9-15
Personal DirectionsT. Croskery Titus 3:12, 13
People
Apollos, Paul, Titus, Tychicus, Zenas
Places
Crete, Nicopolis
Topics
Artemas, Best, Decided, Determined, Diligence, Diligent, Effort, Joining, Lose, Nicopolis, Nicop'olis, Pass, Purpose, Spend, Tychicus, Tych'icus, Winter
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Titus 3:12

     4970   seasons, of year
     5108   Paul, life of
     5976   visiting

Titus 3:12-13

     7742   missionaries, support

Library
Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in the Soul.
Titus iii. 5, 6. Titus iii. 5, 6. Not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. IF my business were to explain and illustrate this scripture at large, it would yield an ample field for accurate criticism and useful discourse, and more especially would lead us into a variety of practical remarks, on which it would be pleasant
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

Of Evil-Speaking in General.
"To speak evil of no man."--Titus iii. 2. These words do imply a double duty; one incumbent on teachers, another on the people who are to be instructed by them. The teacher's duty appeareth from reflecting on the words of the context, which govern these, and make them up an entire sentence: put them in mind, or, rub up their memory to do thus. It is St. Paul's injunction to Titus, a bishop and pastor of the Church, that he should admonish the people committed to his care and instruction,
Isaac Barrow—Sermons on Evil-Speaking, by Isaac Barrow

The Regenerating Work of the Holy Spirit.
The Apostle Paul in Titus iii. 5, R. V., writes, "Not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost." In these words we are taught that the Holy Spirit renews men, or makes men new, and that through this renewing of the Holy Spirit, we are saved. Jesus taught the same in John iii. 3-5, "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again,
R. A. Torrey—The Person and Work of The Holy Spirit

Whether the Foreknowledge of Merits is the Cause of Predestination
Whether the Foreknowledge of Merits is the Cause of Predestination We proceed to the fifth article thus: 1. It seems that the foreknowledge of merits is the cause of predestination. For the apostle says: "whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate" (Rom. 8:29), and the gloss of Ambrose on the words "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy" (Rom. 9:15) says: "I will have mercy on whom I foreknow will return to me with his whole heart." It thus appears that the foreknowledge of merits is the
Aquinas—Nature and Grace

Whether Christians are Bound to Obey the Secular Powers?
Objection 1: It seems that Christians are not bound to obey the secular power. For a gloss on Mat. 17:25, "Then the children are free," says: "If in every kingdom the children of the king who holds sway over that kingdom are free, then the children of that King, under Whose sway are all kingdoms, should be free in every kingdom." Now Christians, by their faith in Christ, are made children of God, according to Jn. 1:12: "He gave them power to be made the sons of God, to them that believe in His name."
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Foreknowledge of Merits is the Cause of Predestination?
Objection 1: It seems that foreknowledge of merits is the cause of predestination. For the Apostle says (Rom. 8:29): "Whom He foreknew, He also predestined." Again a gloss of Ambrose on Rom. 9:15: "I will have mercy upon whom I will have mercy" says: "I will give mercy to him who, I foresee, will turn to Me with his whole heart." Therefore it seems the foreknowledge of merits is the cause of predestination. Objection 2: Further, Divine predestination includes the divine will, which by no means can
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether any Merits Preceded the Union of the Incarnation?
Objection 1: It would seem that the union of the Incarnation followed upon certain merits, because upon Ps. 32:22, "Let Thy mercy, o Lord, be upon us, as," etc. a gloss says: "Here the prophet's desire for the Incarnation and its merited fulfilment are hinted at." Therefore the Incarnation falls under merit. Objection 2: Further, whoever merits anything merits that without which it cannot be. But the ancient Fathers merited eternal life, to which they were able to attain only by the Incarnation;
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Sacraments are the Cause of Grace?
Objection 1: It seems that the sacraments are not the cause of grace. For it seems that the same thing is not both sign and cause: since the nature of sign appears to be more in keeping with an effect. But a sacrament is a sign of grace. Therefore it is not its cause. Objection 2: Further, nothing corporeal can act on a spiritual thing: since "the agent is more excellent than the patient," as Augustine says (Gen. ad lit. xii). But the subject of grace is the human mind, which is something spiritual.
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether There Should be Seven Sacraments?
Objection 1: It seems that there ought not to be seven sacraments. For the sacraments derive their efficacy from the Divine power, and the power of Christ's Passion. But the Divine power is one, and Christ's Passion is one; since "by one oblation He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified" (Heb. 10:14). Therefore there should be but one sacrament. Objection 2: Further, a sacrament is intended as a remedy for the defect caused by sin. Now this is twofold, punishment and guilt. Therefore two
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Sacrament of Penance May be Repeated?
Objection 1: It would seem that the sacrament of Penance should not be repeated. For the Apostle says (Heb. 6:4, seqq.): "It is impossible for those, who were once illuminated, have tasted also the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost . . . and are fallen away, to be renewed again to penance." Now whosoever have done penance, have been illuminated, and have received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Therefore whosoever sin after doing penance, cannot do penance again. Objection 2: Further,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Every Human Law is Derived from the Natural Law?
Objection 1: It would seem that not every human law is derived from the natural law. For the Philosopher says (Ethic. v, 7) that "the legal just is that which originally was a matter of indifference." But those things which arise from the natural law are not matters of indifference. Therefore the enactments of human laws are not derived from the natural law. Objection 2: Further, positive law is contrasted with natural law, as stated by Isidore (Etym. v, 4) and the Philosopher (Ethic. v, 7). But
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Isidore's Description of the Quality of Positive Law is Appropriate?
Objection 1: It would seem that Isidore's description of the quality of positive law is not appropriate, when he says (Etym. v, 21): "Law shall be virtuous, just, possible to nature, according to the custom of the country, suitable to place and time, necessary, useful; clearly expressed, lest by its obscurity it lead to misunderstanding; framed for no private benefit, but for the common good." Because he had previously expressed the quality of law in three conditions, saying that "law is anything
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Human Law Should be Framed for the Community Rather than for the Individual?
Objection 1: It would seem that human law should be framed not for the community, but rather for the individual. For the Philosopher says (Ethic. v, 7) that "the legal just . . . includes all particular acts of legislation . . . and all those matters which are the subject of decrees," which are also individual matters, since decrees are framed about individual actions. Therefore law is framed not only for the community, but also for the individual. Objection 2: Further, law is the director of human
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Schism is a Special Sin?
Objection 1: It would seem that schism is not a special sin. For "schism," as Pope Pelagius I says (Epist. ad Victor. et Pancrat.), "denotes a division." But every sin causes a division, according to Is. 59:: "Your sins have divided between you and your God." Therefore schism is not a special sin. Objection 2: Further, a man is apparently a schismatic if he disobeys the Church. But every sin makes a man disobey the commandments of the Church, because sin, according to Ambrose (De Parad. viii) "is
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Obedience is a Special virtue?
Objection 1: It seems that obedience is not a special virtue. For disobedience is contrary to obedience. But disobedience is a general sin, because Ambrose says (De Parad. viii) that "sin is to disobey the divine law." Therefore obedience is not a special virtue. Objection 2: Further, every special virtue is either theological or moral. But obedience is not a theological virtue, since it is not comprised under faith, hope or charity. Nor is it a moral virtue, since it does not hold the mean between
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Heretics Ought to be Tolerated?
Objection 1: It seems that heretics ought to be tolerated. For the Apostle says (2 Tim. 2:24,25): "The servant of the Lord must not wrangle . . . with modesty admonishing them that resist the truth, if peradventure God may give them repentance to know the truth, and they may recover themselves from the snares of the devil." Now if heretics are not tolerated but put to death, they lose the opportunity of repentance. Therefore it seems contrary to the Apostle's command. Objection 2: Further, whatever
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Salvation by Grace. Titus 3:3-7.
Salvation by grace. Titus 3:3-7. [Lord, we confess our num'rous faults, How great our guilt has been! Foolish and vain were all our thoughts, And all our lives were sin. But, O my soul! for ever praise, For ever love his name, Who turns thy feet from dangerous ways Of folly, sin, and shame.] ['Tis not by works of righteousness Which our own hands have done; But we are saved by sovereign grace Abounding through his Son.] 'Tis from the mercy of our God That all our hopes begin; 'Tis by the water
Isaac Watts—The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts

If any Bishop, Presbyter, Deacon, Sub-Deacon, Lector, Cantor, or Door-Keeper Has had Intercourse with A...
If any bishop, presbyter, deacon, sub-deacon, lector, cantor, or door-keeper has had intercourse with a woman dedicated to God, let him be deposed, as one who has corrupted a spouse of Christ, but if a layman let him be cut off. Notes. Ancient Epitome of Canon IV. A cleric coupled to a spouse of God shall be deposed. In the case of a layman he shall be cut off. This canon is found in the Corpus Juris Canonici, Gratian's Decretum, Pars II., Causa XXVII., Q. I., c. vj. A layman ravishing a nun, by
Philip Schaff—The Seven Ecumenical Councils

Luther --A Stone on the Cairn
'For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption: 37. But He, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.'--ACTS xiii. 36, 37. I take these words as a motto rather than as a text. You will have anticipated the use which I purpose to make of them in connection with the Luther Commemoration. They set before us, in clear sharp contrast, the distinction between the limited, transient work of the servants and the unbounded,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Postscript. Meaning Op the Word Regeneration.
To what I have said in the conclusion of the first discourse concerning the proper import of the word Regeneration, I beg leave to add the following remarks for the farther satisfaction of some worthy persons, who think it may be convenient to state the matter a little more particularly. I ACKNOWLEDGE that many learned and pious divines have taught and contended, that Regeneration does, in the strictest propriety of speech, signify Baptism--so that no unbaptized person, how well disposed soever,
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

Salvation.
Salvation is the song that was to be sung by the redeemed in that day. "Behold now is the day." Our salvation has come. "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will toward men." Salvation means deliverance. A prophecy concerning the Christ--our salvation--says: "He hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound." Isa. 61:1. Christ our Savior came to deliver us from the prison-house of sin. In the
Charles Ebert Orr—The Gospel Day

For He Himself Also, with an Eye to the Like Necessities of Saints...
16. For he himself also, with an eye to the like necessities of saints, who, although they obey his precepts, "that with silence they work and eat their own bread," may yet from many causes stand in need of somewhat by way of supplement to the like sustenance, therefore, after he had thus said, teaching and premonishing, "Now them which are such we command and beseech in our Lord Jesus Christ, that with silence they work and eat their own bread;" [2521] yet, lest they which had whereof they might
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

Whether Grace and virtues are Bestowed on Man by Baptism?
Objection 1: It seems that grace and virtues are not bestowed on man by Baptism. Because, as stated above ([4464]Q[62], A[1], ad 1), the sacraments of the New Law "effect what they signify." But the baptismal cleansing signifies the cleansing of the soul from guilt, and not the fashioning of the soul with grace and virtues. Therefore it seems that grace and virtues are not bestowed on man by Baptism. Objection 2: Further, one does not need to receive what one has already acquired. But some approach
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether Faith is Required of Necessity in the Minister of a Sacrament?
Objection 1: It seems that faith is required of necessity in the minister of a sacrament. For, as stated above [4401](A[8]), the intention of the minister is necessary for the validity of a sacrament. But "faith directs in intention" as Augustine says against Julian (In Psalm xxxi, cf. Contra Julian iv). Therefore, if the minister is without the true faith, the sacrament is invalid. Objection 2: Further, if a minister of the Church has not the true faith, it seems that he is a heretic. But heretics,
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

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