Titus 3 12

Titus 3:12 kjv

When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.

Titus 3:12 nkjv

When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.

Titus 3:12 niv

As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.

Titus 3:12 esv

When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.

Titus 3:12 nlt

I am planning to send either Artemas or Tychicus to you. As soon as one of them arrives, do your best to meet me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to stay there for the winter.

Titus 3 verses

Titus 3 12 Meaning

This verse contains Paul's immediate practical instructions to Titus. He informs Titus that either Artemas or Tychicus will be sent to Crete, indicating a transition in leadership or a temporary relief for Titus. Subsequently, Paul instructs Titus to diligently hasten his departure from Crete and come to Nicopolis, where Paul intends to spend the winter. This reveals Paul's strategic planning for ministry, his reliance on trusted co-workers, and his personal directive to a key associate.

Titus 3 12 Context

Titus chapter 3 concludes the letter, shifting from doctrinal instruction and ethical exhortation to more personal and practical matters. The preceding verses (3:1-11) have emphasized the importance of good conduct in the community, particularly submission to governing authorities, avoidance of strife, and diligent pursuit of good works, all rooted in God's grace revealed through Christ. This concluding section (3:12-15) signifies a change of focus from Titus's role in governing the church in Crete to his direct interaction and reunion with Paul. This particular verse, 3:12, sets forth Paul's immediate plan, detailing who will replace or assist Titus in Crete, and where Titus is to rejoin Paul. It underscores Paul's ongoing, active leadership, even when absent, demonstrating how pastoral care extends to strategic arrangements for the advancement of the Gospel and proper church order. Historically, Paul is likely writing from Macedonia, anticipating his winter stay in Nicopolis, possibly between his first and second Roman imprisonments. This verse paints a picture of constant missionary movement, logistical planning, and the essential reliance on a network of committed co-workers in the early church.

Titus 3 12 Word analysis

• When I send (Greek: ὅταν πέμπω - hotan pempō):
  • Hotan (ὅταν): A conjunction meaning "whenever, when, as soon as." It denotes a future event that is certain to occur, making the following command contingent upon it. This isn't a mere possibility but a planned action by Paul.
  • Pempō (πέμπω): Means "to send, despatch." This highlights Paul's apostolic authority to direct the movements of his associates. It shows his strategic role in deploying his ministry team.
• Artemas (Greek: Ἀρτεμᾶς - Artemas):
  • His name, a Greek derivative of Artemis (the goddess), was common. He is only mentioned here in the New Testament. His presence as a potential replacement indicates Paul had other reliable associates, even lesser-known ones, ready to serve where needed, emphasizing the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry.
• or (Greek: ἢ - ē):
  • Indicates an alternative, suggesting either Artemas or Tychicus would be dispatched, perhaps depending on their availability or specific needs Paul anticipated in Crete. This flexibility in planning highlights Paul's practical adaptability.
• Tychicus (Greek: Τυχικός - Tychikos):
  • His name means "fortuitous" or "lucky." Tychicus is a well-known and highly trusted associate of Paul (Eph 6:21; Col 4:7; 2 Tim 4:12; Acts 20:4). He often served as Paul's personal envoy, carrying letters and reporting on Paul's welfare. His mention signifies the continuity and trustworthiness of those who ministered alongside Paul, embodying faithful service.
• do your best to come (Greek: σπούδασον ἐλθεῖν - spoudason elthein):
  • Spoudason (σπούδασον): From spoudazō (σπουδάζω), meaning "to hasten, be diligent, make every effort, be zealous." This is an imperative, indicating an urgent and strong command from Paul to Titus. It implies swift and earnest action, underlining the importance Paul placed on Titus joining him without delay.
  • Elthein (ἐλθεῖν): The infinitive form of erchomai (ἔρχομαι), meaning "to come, go." The urgency in spoudason applies to the act of coming.
• to me (Greek: πρός με - pros me):
  • A direct address, emphasizing Paul's personal summons and the strong bond between apostle and disciple. Titus was not just serving a task but also ministering in fellowship with Paul.
• at Nicopolis (Greek: εἰς Νικόπολιν - eis Nikopolin):
  • Nicopolis (Νικόπολις): Means "City of Victory." This was a significant city founded by Emperor Augustus to commemorate his victory at Actium in 31 BC. The most likely candidate is Nicopolis in Epirus (modern western Greece), a major port city on the Ambracian Gulf. Paul's choice suggests strategic planning, likely for further evangelistic outreach or administrative oversight during the less travel-friendly winter months.
• for I have decided to spend the winter there (Greek: ἐκεῖ γὰρ κέκρικα παραχειμάσαι - ekei gar kekrika paracheimasai):
  • Ekei (ἐκεῖ): "There." Refers directly to Nicopolis.
  • Gar (γὰρ): "For." Provides the reason for Paul's command to Titus.
  • Kekrika (κέκρικα): From krinō (κρίνω), meaning "to decide, determine, judge." Perfect tense, indicating a firm and settled decision by Paul. He wasn't contemplating; he had definitively resolved to spend the winter there.
  • Paracheimasai (παραχειμάσαι): From paracheimazō (παραχειμάζω), meaning "to winter, pass the winter." Indicates a planned, extended stay during the cold season when sea travel was dangerous and often ceased. This suggests Nicopolis was intended to be a base of operations or a period of strategic rest and planning.
• "When I send Artemas...or Tychicus..."
  • This phrase signifies Paul's intention for a continuity of spiritual oversight in Crete. He's not abandoning the churches but strategically managing leadership. The "or" suggests flexibility based on circumstances known to Paul but not specified here, showing his pragmatic approach to ministry deployment.
• "...do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there."
  • This entire phrase forms a concise directive with an accompanying justification. The urgency ("do your best") highlights the importance Paul placed on Titus's presence. Paul's fixed decision to winter in Nicopolis means he needed Titus to join him at this specific strategic location, perhaps for further instruction, shared ministry, or administrative planning.

Titus 3 12 Bonus section

• The Significance of Nicopolis: While other cities named Nicopolis existed (e.g., in Cilicia or Thrace), scholars widely agree that Nicopolis in Epirus, Greece, is the most likely location. This city, built by Augustus as a memorial to his victory at Actium, would have been a vibrant strategic center. Paul’s choice to winter there suggests a vision for extending the Gospel’s reach into new territories, leveraging its geographical position for future campaigns, or consolidating work in the surrounding region. Wintering was a common practice for missionaries to settle down, rest, teach, or plan.
• The Nature of Apostolic Authority: Paul's directives ("I send," "do your best to come," "I have decided") clearly illustrate his apostolic authority. These are not mere suggestions but authoritative commands, demonstrating the established hierarchy and the reliance of disciples like Titus on the apostle’s guidance for the effective organization of the nascent Church. This relationship ensured theological fidelity and orderly expansion of the Gospel.
• Flexibility in Personnel: The "Artemas or Tychicus" option highlights Paul's flexibility in ministry staffing. It speaks to a contingency plan, showcasing the pragmatic nature of mission. While Tychicus was well-known, Artemas's inclusion shows Paul's broader pool of trustworthy and capable ministers.
• Emphasis on Fellowship and Planning: This personal instruction from Paul to Titus wasn't just about practical arrangements; it deeply underscores the importance of fellowship and collective strategic planning among key leaders in the early church. Effective mission work often required in-person collaboration, particularly during periods of rest or reduced travel.

Titus 3 12 Commentary

Titus 3:12 encapsulates Paul's decisive leadership and pragmatic approach to missionary strategy. It reveals that ministry in the early church was highly organized, involving the careful deployment of trusted co-workers. Paul’s intention to send either Artemas or the more familiar Tychicus demonstrates a reliance on a wider network of dedicated individuals who could step in where needed, ensuring the continuous spiritual care of the churches he established. The specific, urgent command for Titus to "do his best to come" underscores the value Paul placed on Titus’s presence and input for strategic planning, perhaps concerning future missionary endeavors or for deeper discussions that were better held in person than by letter. Nicopolis, chosen by Paul as his winter quarters, served as a deliberate hub for activity, not merely a place of respite, during a season unfavorable for extensive travel. This verse showcases the personal, yet deeply strategic, nature of apostolic ministry, driven by resolved intentions and a commitment to ongoing Gospel advancement through faithful partnership.