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Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents
3:12-15 Closing Exhortation. In typical fashion for letters, Paul closes with reference to travel plans and greetings. As is also typical of Paul, even these items echo the main thrust of the letter.
3:12 do your best to come to me. Although Paul had left Titus in Crete in order to get the churches there properly established, he was not expected to stay there indefinitely. Artemas is not mentioned elsewhere in the NT. Tychicus is mentioned as an Asian who accompanied Paul on his third journey (Acts 20:4). In Eph. 6:21 and Col. 4:7 he is referred to as a "beloved brother and faithful minister" (see also 2 Tim. 4:12). Nicopolis was a port city in Epirus, on the west coast of the Greek peninsula and about
3:13-14 Speed . . . on their way; see that they lack nothing shows Paul's concern for the support of fellow missionaries and thus speaks to the church's role in supporting missions--and addressing cases of urgent need--today. Zenas is not mentioned elsewhere in the NT. Apollos is undoubtedly the popular speaker mentioned in Acts and 1 Corinthians (Acts 18:24; 19:1; 1 Cor. 3:6; etc.).
3:14 Having stressed good works throughout the letter, and having just called for assistance of fellow laborers (v. 13), Paul addresses this theme once more. This opportunity to assist Zenas and Apollos is one more example of how Christians can be involved in good works, relieving needs and furthering the gospel.
3:15 Grace be with you all. Paul's letter, though written primarily to Titus, will be read to the entire congregation.
