Titus 3:13 kjv
Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
Titus 3:13 nkjv
Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey with haste, that they may lack nothing.
Titus 3:13 niv
Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way and see that they have everything they need.
Titus 3:13 esv
Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing.
Titus 3:13 nlt
Do everything you can to help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos with their trip. See that they are given everything they need.
Titus 3 13 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 15:24 | "whenever I journey to Spain, I shall come to you; for I hope to see you on my way, and to be brought on my way by you..." | Paul desired logistical support. |
| 1 Cor 16:6 | "and it may be that I will remain with you... that you may send me on my way wherever I go." | Request for escort and provision for travel. |
| 1 Cor 16:11 | "Therefore let no one despise him... send him on his way in peace..." | Instruction to care for Timothy's travel. |
| 2 Cor 1:16 | "...to pass through your area to Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come to you, and be helped on my way by you..." | Paul expected assistance for journeys. |
| 3 Jn 1:6 | "...whom, if you send forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well;" | Commending hospitality to missionaries. |
| 3 Jn 1:7-8 | "Because for His name’s sake they went forth... We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth." | Duty to support those spreading truth. |
| Matt 10:10 | "...for a worker is worthy of his food." | The principle of supporting ministers. |
| Lk 10:7 | "And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages." | Ministers worthy of their upkeep. |
| 1 Tim 5:17-18 | "Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine." | Financial support for teaching elders. |
| Gal 6:6 | "Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches." | Supporting those who instruct in the Word. |
| Php 4:14 | "Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress." | Sharing in burdens of ministers. |
| Php 4:16 | "For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities." | Practical financial support. |
| Rom 12:8 | "...he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness." | Diligence in service. |
| 2 Pet 1:5 | "But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue..." | The call to apply diligence. |
| 2 Cor 8:7 | "But as you abound in everything... see that you abound in this grace also." | Abounding in the grace of giving. |
| Php 4:19 | "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." | God's promise to supply needs. |
| Deut 2:7 | "For the Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hand. He knows your trudging through this great wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you; you have lacked nothing." | God's comprehensive provision. |
| Neh 9:21 | "Forty years You sustained them in the wilderness; they lacked nothing; their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell." | God sustained His people fully. |
| Acts 18:24-28 | "Now a certain Jew named Apollos... an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus." | Apollos's ministry background. |
| 1 Cor 3:4-6 | "For when one says, 'I am of Paul,' and another, 'I am of Apollos,' are you not carnal?... I planted, Apollos watered..." | Apollos as a co-laborer in ministry. |
| 1 Tim 4:6 | "...If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ..." | The importance of instructing and equipping others. |
| Heb 13:2 | "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels." | Exhortation to hospitality. |
| Acts 21:16 | "...some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us and brought with them a certain Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple with whom we were to lodge." | Early church practice of providing lodging for itinerants. |
| 2 Ki 4:8-10 | "Now it happened one day that Elisha went to Shunem, where there was a notable woman... let us make a small upper room on the wall; and let us put a bed for him there, a table, a chair, and a lampstand; so it will be, whenever he comes to us, he can turn in there." | Old Testament example of supporting a prophet. |
Titus 3 verses
Titus 3 13 Meaning
Titus 3:13 is an apostolic instruction from Paul to Titus, commanding him to make diligent and comprehensive provisions for Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, ensuring they have everything they need for their onward journey and ongoing ministry. It highlights the importance of practical support and hospitality for those dedicated to proclaiming the gospel.
Titus 3 13 Context
Titus chapter 3 emphasizes Christian conduct, particularly demonstrating goodness, gentleness, and humility toward all people, regardless of their background or belief. It shifts from doctrinal statements about salvation by grace (v. 4-7) to practical expressions of faith through good works (v. 8). Paul also warns against foolish disputes and divisive people (v. 9-11), instructing Titus to handle them decisively. The verse immediately preceding Titus 3:13, verse 12, gives instructions for Titus to join Paul in Nicopolis for the winter. This means Zenas and Apollos would be traveling to Crete, presumably bringing new instructions or aid from Paul, and Titus would then need to ensure their further travels. In the ancient world, travel was difficult and dangerous, relying heavily on the hospitality and provisions of local believers or patrons. This instruction underscores the Christian duty to care for gospel workers, ensuring their mission is not hindered by lack of practical necessities. It implicitly contrasts with any worldly self-interest by encouraging proactive and generous provision for God's servants.
Titus 3 13 Word analysis
- Bring (προπέμπω - propempō): This Greek verb literally means "to send before," "to send forth," or "to escort." In the context of travel, it signifies much more than simply directing someone. It implies actively facilitating a journey by providing provisions, financial support, accompaniment for safety, and arranging for lodging along the way. It demonstrates care, commitment, and a proactive posture in aiding someone's mission. The use of this word in other NT passages (e.g., Rom 15:24; 1 Cor 16:6, 11; 2 Cor 1:16; 3 Jn 1:6) consistently indicates material and logistical support for traveling missionaries or workers.
- Zenas (Ζηνᾶς - Zēnas): A name derived from "Zeus." Beyond his name, Zenas is otherwise unknown in the biblical narrative. His presence here highlights that many unsung individuals played crucial roles in the early Christian movement.
- the lawyer (τὸν νομικὸν - ton nomikon): The term nomikos refers to an expert in law. This could denote a Roman jurist trained in civil law or, more commonly in a Jewish context, a scribe or expert in the Mosaic Law. Given the frequent interaction between early Christianity and Judaism, and the need to interpret the Old Testament, it is highly probable Zenas was a Jewish scholar of the Law who had become a Christian, bringing unique insights and skills to gospel proclamation or church organization. His expertise would have been valuable in clarifying Christian truth in relation to the Law or even in defending Christians legally.
- and Apollos (Ἀπολλὼς - Apollōs): A prominent and influential figure in the early church (Acts 18:24-28; 1 Cor 1:12; 3:4-6). Described as an eloquent man, mighty in the Scriptures, and fervent in spirit, he played a significant role in teaching and watering the seeds Paul had planted. His inclusion here indicates his continued itinerant ministry and his high regard within Paul’s apostolic circle.
- on their way: This phrase indicates facilitation of their journey, echoing the comprehensive nature of propempō. It refers to all aspects necessary for travel and onward mission.
- diligently (σπουδαίως - spoudaiōs): An adverb meaning "with haste," "earnestly," "carefully," "diligently," or "zealously." This modifies Titus’s action of sending them on their way. It implies that Titus should not provide grudgingly or minimally, but with a full and zealous effort, prioritizing their needs and the work they are engaged in. It speaks to the attitude and intentionality behind the provision.
- that nothing (μηδὲν - mēden): This negation emphasizes completeness. The goal is total sufficiency.
- may be wanting (λειπῇ - leipē): The verb leipō means "to leave," "to lack," "to be wanting," or "to fail." Coupled with mēden, the phrase mēden leipē means "that nothing may be lacking" or "that nothing may fail them."
- to them (αὐτοὺς - autous): Refers directly to Zenas and Apollos.
Words-group analysis
- "Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way diligently": This phrase combines the command to provide for the individuals with the specific manner of that provision – "diligently." This signifies the active, enthusiastic, and careful assistance required, highlighting the value placed on the ministry and the individuals involved. It implies readiness, thoughtfulness, and an eager spirit in fulfilling the instruction.
- "that nothing may be wanting to them": This concluding phrase articulates the ultimate goal and scope of the diligence: ensuring absolute sufficiency. It is a comprehensive charge, meaning that Titus should attend to all their needs for travel and continued work, so that no practical deficiency hinders their spiritual service. It demonstrates a deep concern for the welfare and effectiveness of gospel ministers. This is not merely an act of kindness, but a strategic investment in the Lord's work.
Titus 3 13 Bonus section
This verse implies a common pattern in the early church where itinerant ministers relied on the hospitality and financial support of the Christian communities they visited. This system allowed for widespread dissemination of the gospel by alleviating the material burdens on apostles, evangelists, and teachers. The command to ensure "nothing may be wanting" sets a high standard for Christian liberality towards those in full-time service. It recognizes that ministers, despite their spiritual calling, have physical needs that, if unmet, can impede their effectiveness. Furthermore, the inclusion of Zenas, "the lawyer," among those supported, underscores the diversity of backgrounds among early Christian leaders and suggests that specific skills or previous vocations could be repurposed and valuable for the kingdom. It reinforces the idea that all forms of valuable experience and knowledge can be consecrated for God’s purposes when brought into the context of ministry.
Titus 3 13 Commentary
Titus 3:13 serves as a specific, yet broadly illustrative, command regarding Christian hospitality and support for those engaged in ministry. Paul's instruction to Titus, a fellow worker on Crete, highlights the practical aspects of advancing the gospel. By directing Titus to "bring Zenas and Apollos on their way diligently, that nothing may be wanting to them," Paul underscores that ministry effectiveness often depends on tangible support. The term "bring on their way" signifies comprehensive care—providing for financial needs, travel provisions, and safe escort. The inclusion of "diligently" is crucial, demanding not just compliance but a zealous and thoughtful effort, ensuring that these vital co-laborers are fully equipped and unhindered. This reflects a deep theological truth: serving Christ also means serving those He sends. This act of practical love reinforces the community’s commitment to gospel work and illustrates partnership in spreading the truth.
Examples of Practical Usage:
- A local church providing lodging and meals for visiting missionaries or guest speakers.
- Christians pooling resources to support the travel expenses of individuals going on short-term mission trips.
- Congregants diligently praying for, equipping, and encouraging those who travel to spread the gospel or provide spiritual teaching in distant places, ensuring their practical needs are met.