Translation:
12 When I may send Artemas or Tychicus to you, endeavor to come to me in Nicopolis. For I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Promptly send on their way Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, in order that nothing may be lacking for them. 14 But our people are also to learn to practice good works for necessary needs, in order that they may not be unfruitful.
Outline of main points and subpoints:
- (12) Endeavor to come to me in Nicopolis
- Endeavor when I send Artemas or Tychicus to you
- Endeavor for I have decided to spend the winter there (in Nicopolis).
- (13) Send on their way Zenas the lawyer and Apollos
- Send them
- Send them in order that nothing may be lacking for them.
- (14) But our people are to learn also to practice good works for necessary needs
- They are to learn in order that they may not be unfruitful.
Commentary:
Paul mentions his companions by name. This pastor was friends with his people, and he desired that they learn the things that would keep them from being ineffective for Christ’s kingdom. Paul himself was a living example of godly fruitfulness. He knew what it meant to practice good works that met people’s needs. He instructs Titus to practice the same, when he gives him instructions for Zenas and Apollos (Titus is to fully equip them), and he instructs Titus to teach this practice to the rest of the congregation—indeed this is something for the whole Church.
Application:
As a pastor, I need to do what I can to meet the necessary needs of God’s people. I should practice this, instruct other leaders to practice this, and teach the congregation to practice this as well. The goal is to be fruitful for the kingdom.
Knowledge is good by itself; but knowledge put into action—helping others meet their needs—that is productivity and progress. Who will I reach out to in assistance today? Even just to let them know I am praying for them?
JOEL M. SETTECASE 