Titus 3:12

KJV

When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.

KJV (with Strong's)

When {G3752} I shall send {G3992} Artemas {G734} unto {G4314} thee {G4571}, or {G2228} Tychicus {G5190}, be diligent {G4704} to come {G2064} unto {G4314} me {G3165} to {G1519} Nicopolis {G3533}: for {G1063} I have determined {G2919} there {G1563} to winter {G3914}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you. Do your best to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there.

Berean Standard Bible

As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, because I have decided to winter there.

American Standard Version

When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, give diligence to come unto me to Nicopolis: for there I have determined to winter.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Titus 3:12 conveys Paul's practical instructions to Titus regarding a planned personnel change and a subsequent meeting in Nicopolis, where Paul intended to spend the winter. This verse, appearing at the close of the epistle, highlights the blend of strategic logistical planning and personal pastoral care essential to the Apostle Paul's ministry and the effective organization of the early Christian church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a concluding personal and logistical instruction within Paul's letter to Titus. The preceding verses (Titus 3:1-11) have focused heavily on Christian conduct in society, the theological basis for good works rooted in God's grace, and warnings against divisive individuals. Paul transitions from weighty theological and ethical exhortations to practical arrangements, a common feature in the closing sections of his epistles. This shift demonstrates that even the mundane details of travel and personnel management were integral to the apostle's comprehensive oversight of the burgeoning churches and his commitment to their continued health and leadership.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nicopolis, likely Nicopolis in Epirus (modern-day Greece), was a significant Roman city founded by Emperor Augustus after the Battle of Actium. Its strategic location made it a suitable hub for Paul's missionary activities. Travel in the ancient Mediterranean world was heavily influenced by seasons; sea voyages were perilous and often ceased during the winter months (approximately November to March). Paul's intention to "winter" there indicates a deliberate choice of a stable base for an extended period, allowing him to continue ministry, write, or plan future endeavors. The practice of sending trusted co-workers like Artemas and Tychicus was vital for maintaining communication, providing pastoral support, and ensuring continuity of leadership across Paul's widespread network of churches.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Strategic Ministry and Logistics:** Paul's detailed instructions underscore the organized and forethoughtful nature of early Christian mission. Ministry was not merely spontaneous spiritual fervor but involved careful planning for personnel, travel, and seasonal considerations to ensure maximum effectiveness, much like Paul's broader strategic approach to his missionary journeys documented in [the book of Acts](/acts "The Book of Acts - The Early Church").
* **Delegation and Succession Planning:** By dispatching either Artemas or Tychicus to relieve Titus, Paul demonstrates his commitment to ensuring continuous leadership and support for the churches in Crete. This act highlights the biblical principle of empowering and preparing others for ministry roles, fostering growth and stability within the church, a principle Paul frequently emphasized (e.g., [his charge to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2](/2_timothy/2-2 "2 Timothy 2:2 - Passing on the Gospel")).
* **Pastoral Care and Fellowship:** Paul's desire for Titus to "be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis" reveals the deep personal bonds and the value of face-to-face fellowship among spiritual leaders. Despite the demands of widespread ministry, Paul prioritized relational support and continued mentorship, echoing his consistent longing for companionship and mutual encouragement with his co-workers (e.g., [Paul's desire for Timothy's presence in Philippians 2:19-20](/philippians/2-19-20 "Philippians 2:19-20 - Paul's Desire for Timothy's Presence")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **send (Greek, _pémpō'_):** To dispatch, especially on a temporary errand. This word signifies Paul's purposeful action in sending his trusted co-workers, Artemas or Tychicus, to Crete. It implies a deliberate assignment with a specific objective: to relieve Titus so he could join Paul.
* **be diligent (Greek, _spoudázō'_):** To use speed, to make effort, to be prompt or earnest. This imperative verb conveys a strong sense of urgency and importance. Paul is not merely suggesting but commanding Titus to exert himself and make every effort to come to him, indicating the significance of their reunion.
* **determined (Greek, _krínō'_):** Properly, to distinguish, to decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, or punish. In this context, it signifies a firm, settled decision or judgment on Paul's part. He has made a definite plan to winter in Nicopolis, which serves as the underlying reason for his summons to Titus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus":** Paul initiates the instruction by indicating a future event—the arrival of one of his two trusted envoys, Artemas or Tychicus, in Crete. This signals a planned change in personnel, ensuring that Titus's responsibilities in Crete will be covered before he departs. It highlights Paul's meticulous management of his team and the fluidity of assignments within his apostolic ministry.
* **"be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis":** This is the core command to Titus. The phrase "be diligent" (σπουδάζω) emphasizes the urgency and importance of Titus's journey. Paul desires Titus's presence, likely for further instruction, fellowship, or to assist with ministry in Nicopolis. This command underscores the value Paul placed on personal interaction and continued mentorship with his disciples.
* **"for I have determined there to winter":** This final clause provides the reason for Paul's summons. Nicopolis is Paul's chosen winter headquarters, a strategic base for operations during the colder months when sea travel was dangerous. This reveals Paul's careful planning and foresight in his missionary endeavors, ensuring a stable environment for continued work and strategic planning.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Direct Instruction**, as Paul issues clear, imperative commands to Titus regarding his travel plans. The structure of the sentence also demonstrates **Anticipation**, with Paul first informing Titus of the impending arrival of Artemas or Tychicus before giving the main command for Titus to join him. This prepares Titus for the transition. The conjunction "for" (γάρ, _gár_) introduces a **Reason Clause**, providing the logical justification for Paul's request. This grounding of a personal request in a strategic decision highlights the practical and administrative aspects of apostolic ministry, revealing a blend of personal relationship and overarching mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple logistical instruction in [Titus 3:12](/titus/3-12 "Titus 3:12 - Paul's Travel Plans") offers profound insights into the nature of apostolic ministry and the early church. It demonstrates that effective spiritual leadership is not solely about abstract theology but also involves meticulous planning, delegation, and the cultivation of strong personal relationships. Paul's concern for continuity in Crete and his desire for Titus's presence underscore the importance of both organizational structure and relational health in the body of Christ. The verse implicitly teaches that even mundane details of travel and personnel are integrated into God's broader mission, reflecting a holistic approach to ministry where practical wisdom serves spiritual ends.

* [Romans 15:24](/romans/15-24 "Romans 15:24 - Paul's Plans to Visit Spain")
* [2 Timothy 4:9](/2_timothy/4-9 "2 Timothy 4:9 - Paul's Urgent Request for Timothy")
* [Philemon 1:22](/philemon/1-22 "Philemon 1:22 - Paul's Hope to Visit Philemon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Titus 3:12, though brief, provides a powerful model for Christian leadership and community that transcends its specific historical context. It reminds us that effective ministry is a blend of spiritual fervor and practical wisdom. Just as Paul strategically planned his movements and delegated responsibilities, we are called to exercise diligence and foresight in our own spheres of influence, whether in church, family, or work. The emphasis on Titus's "diligence" to come to Paul underscores the value of intentional fellowship, mentorship, and mutual encouragement among believers. In a world that often isolates, this verse calls us to actively pursue meaningful relationships, recognizing that iron sharpens iron and that shared burdens lighten the load. It challenges us to consider how our practical decisions can serve the Kingdom and how we can best support and empower those God has placed around us, ensuring continuity and health in our collective endeavors for Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's strategic planning in this verse inform our approach to ministry or personal responsibilities today?**
* **In what ways can we better delegate tasks and empower others within our communities or families, following Paul's example of shared leadership?**
* **What steps can we take to be more "diligent" in pursuing meaningful fellowship and mentorship relationships in our lives, even amidst busy schedules?**
* **How can we integrate practical wisdom and spiritual discernment in our daily decisions, recognizing that God works through both the mundane and the miraculous?**

### FAQ
**Why did Paul choose Nicopolis as his wintering place?**

Answer: Paul's choice of Nicopolis (likely Nicopolis in Epirus, Greece) was a highly strategic decision for several reasons. As a significant Roman city founded by Emperor Augustus, it offered good infrastructure, a substantial population, and a strategic location for missionary outreach into surrounding regions. Winter travel by sea in the ancient world was extremely dangerous and often impossible due to severe weather, making it necessary for missionaries like Paul to find a stable and safe base of operations. Nicopolis provided a suitable place for Paul to continue his ministry, perhaps writing letters, discipling co-workers, or planning future endeavors, while waiting for safer travel conditions. This practical decision reflects Paul's meticulous planning for the advancement of the gospel, as he often based himself in key urban centers to reach wider regions, similar to his extended stays in places like [Ephesus](/acts/19 "Acts 19 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus") or [Corinth](/acts/18 "Acts 18 - Paul's Time in Corinth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Titus 3:12 is a logistical instruction, it subtly points to the Christ-centered nature of all ministry and the holistic demands of following Him. Paul's meticulous planning, delegation of responsibilities, and desire for fellowship were not for personal gain but were entirely devoted to the advancement of the gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ. The very concept of sending out trusted co-workers like Artemas or Tychicus reflects the pattern established by Jesus Himself, who sent out His disciples (e.g., [Matthew 10:5-15](/matthew/10-5-15 "Matthew 10:5-15 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve")) to proclaim the Kingdom and prepare the way for His coming. Paul's determination to winter in Nicopolis, a strategic decision for effective ministry, echoes Christ's own intentionality in His earthly ministry, moving from place to place with divine purpose to fulfill His mission (e.g., [Luke 4:43](/luke/4-43 "Luke 4:43 - Jesus' Mission to Preach the Kingdom")). Ultimately, Paul's entire life and ministry, including these seemingly mundane travel plans, were lived "in Christ" and "for Christ," demonstrating that every aspect of the believer's life, even logistical details, can be consecrated to the Lord's purposes, contributing to the building up of His body, the church, which is Christ's ongoing work in the world (e.g., [Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11-16 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Building Up the Body of Christ for Ministry")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Timothy 4:9

¶ Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:

Acts 20:4

And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

1 Corinthians 16:8

But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

1 Corinthians 16:9

For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and [there are] many adversaries.

2 Timothy 4:12

And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.

2 Timothy 4:21

Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.

1 Corinthians 16:6

And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.