### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek name Ἀρτεμάς (Artemás, `{{G734}}`) is a personal name derived from two components: Ἄρτεμις (Artemis), the prominent Greek goddess, and δῶρον (dōron), meaning "gift." Thus, the literal etymological meaning of Artemas is "gift of Artemis." This name was common in the Greco-Roman world, reflecting the widespread veneration of Artemis, particularly in regions like Asia Minor (e.g., Ephesus). While the name itself carries pagan connotations due to its origin, its bearer in the New Testament is identified as a Christian. The Strong's definition notes it may also be a contracted form of "Artemidorus," which shares the same root meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Artemas appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Apostle Paul's letter to Titus:
* [[Titus 3:12]]: "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."
In this sole occurrence, Artemas is presented as one of two individuals—the other being Tychicus (`{{G5193}}`)—whom Paul intends to send to Crete to take over Titus's responsibilities, thereby enabling Titus to join Paul in Nicopolis. This instruction reveals several key insights:
1. **Trust and Reliability:** Paul's willingness to send Artemas to relieve Titus, a significant pastoral assignment, indicates that Artemas was a trusted and capable co-worker in the ministry.
2. **Association with Key Figures:** Being mentioned alongside Tychicus, who is frequently cited as Paul's trusted messenger and envoy (e.g., [[Ephesians 6:21]], [[Colossians 4:7]], [[2 Timothy 4:12]]), further elevates Artemas's standing within the apostolic circle.
3. **Role in Apostolic Succession:** Artemas was part of Paul's strategy for maintaining and expanding the gospel ministry, demonstrating the early church's reliance on a network of dedicated individuals to carry out pastoral and evangelistic duties across different regions.
The context is one of practical church administration and strategic deployment of personnel, highlighting the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry.
### Related Words & Concepts
1. **Ἄρτεμις (Artemis):** The goddess whose name forms the first part of Artemas's name. The cult of Artemis was particularly strong in Ephesus, where her temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The conflict between the gospel and the worship of Artemis is vividly depicted in [[Acts 19:23-41]], where the silversmiths riot in defense of their trade, which relied on the veneration of Artemis. That a Christian bore a name intrinsically linked to this pagan deity underscores the radical transformation brought about by conversion to Christ.
2. **δῶρον (dōron, `{{G1435}}`):** Meaning "gift," this word forms the second part of Artemas's name. While his name refers to a "gift" from a pagan deity, the concept of "gift" is profoundly significant in Christian theology, particularly concerning God's grace ([[Romans 5:15]], [[Ephesians 2:8]]) and the spiritual gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit ([[1 Corinthians 12:4]], [[Romans 12:6]]).
3. **Pauline Co-workers:** Artemas belongs to the extensive list of individuals who labored alongside Paul in the spread of the gospel. This group includes figures like Timothy (`{{G5095}}`), Titus (`{{G5103}}`), Tychicus (`{{G5193}}`), Epaphroditus (`{{G1891}}`), and many others. Their collective dedication and willingness to travel and serve were indispensable for the establishment and nurturing of early Christian communities.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of Artemas in the New Testament canon, despite his name's pagan origin, serves as a subtle yet profound theological statement. It illustrates the transformative power of the gospel, which transcends cultural and religious backgrounds, drawing individuals from all walks of life into the service of Christ. Artemas's very name, "gift of Artemis," stands in stark contrast to his identity as a servant of the true God, symbolizing the reorientation of allegiance from false deities to the Creator.
Furthermore, Artemas's role as a trusted envoy highlights the importance of shared leadership and succession in the early church. Paul was not merely establishing isolated congregations but was building a sustainable movement, training and deploying capable leaders to ensure the continuity of ministry. This underscores the value of faithful, though often unsung, service within the body of Christ. Artemas, like many others, contributed to the foundational work of the church, demonstrating that God uses diverse individuals, irrespective of their past or the etymology of their names, for His divine purposes. His life would have been a testament to the truth that all good and perfect gifts come from God ([[James 1:17]]), not from pagan sources.
### Summary
Artemas (Ἀρτεμάς, `{{G734}}`), whose name literally means "gift of Artemis," is mentioned only once in the New Testament, in [[Titus 3:12]]. Despite the pagan roots of his name, common in the Greco-Roman world, Artemas was a trusted and reliable co-worker of the Apostle Paul. Paul intended to send him, or Tychicus (`{{G5193}}`), to Crete to relieve Titus, demonstrating Artemas's esteemed position within the apostolic team and his suitability for significant pastoral responsibility. His singular appearance in Scripture nonetheless underscores the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry and Paul's strategic deployment of faithful individuals. Theologically, Artemas's presence in the biblical narrative powerfully illustrates the transformative reach of the gospel, which calls and repurposes individuals from all backgrounds, redirecting their lives and allegiances from pagan traditions to the service of the one true God, thereby becoming a true "gift" to the church.
TRV