Free Bible Commentary
“Titus 3:12-15”
Categories: Titus“When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them. Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful. All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.”
---End of Scripture verses---
Even though we tend to just glance over the beginnings and endings to the New Testament epistles, they are important. When we read these real names of real people we are reminded that this was a real letter written to address the real concerns and needs of the Lord’s church. Artemas, Tychicus, Zenas and Apollos dedicated their lives to assisting the Apostle Paul and serving the Lord Jesus Christ in all faithfulness. We owe a debt of gratitude to these men and people like them who serve the Lord today. We should “diligently help” God’s ministers, making certain that they lack nothing they need in this earthly life, as they diligently help the Lord’s people in regards to their spiritual needs and the eternal life to come.
In closing this letter, Paul used the example of these four faithful servants of God to instruct all of the Lord’s people to “also learn to engage in good deeds” (verse 14). Let this serve as a reminder to us that it is not just the preacher’s job to teach people the truth and help bring them to the Lord Jesus. Undoubtedly the most “pressing” need known to mankind is the Gospel of Christ that, alone, can save people’s souls. God demands labor that produces fruit from all of His children. Jesus is the True Vine and we are the branches. If we are truly “in Him” we will bear fruit, and He will “prune” us so that we will be able to bear much more still. If we do not bear fruit He will cast us away as branches and we will wither and die (John 15:1-2).
I do not say this to shame us or scare us but to remind us that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13)! God would never ask anything of us that is too difficult for Him to empower us to do! “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Lord willing we will have a brief introduction to Paul’s letter to Philemon for tomorrow.
Have a wonderful day!
- Louie Taylor
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