Titus 3:12
When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.
Original Language Analysis
Ὅταν
When
G3752
Ὅταν
When
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
1 of 17
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
πέμψω
I shall send
G3992
πέμψω
I shall send
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
2 of 17
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
Ἀρτεμᾶν
Artemas
G734
Ἀρτεμᾶν
Artemas
Strong's:
G734
Word #:
3 of 17
gift of artemis; artemas (or artemidorus), a christian
πρός
unto
G4314
πρός
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
4 of 17
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
σπούδασον
be diligent
G4704
σπούδασον
be diligent
Strong's:
G4704
Word #:
8 of 17
to use speed, i.e., to make effort, be prompt or earnest
ἐλθεῖν
to come
G2064
ἐλθεῖν
to come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
9 of 17
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρός
unto
G4314
πρός
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
10 of 17
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Νικόπολιν
Nicopolis
G3533
Νικόπολιν
Nicopolis
Strong's:
G3533
Word #:
13 of 17
victorious city; nicopolis, a place in macedonia
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
15 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Cross References
Acts 20:4And 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.2 Timothy 4:9Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:2 Timothy 4:21Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.2 Timothy 4:12And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
Historical Context
This personal instruction provides window into apostolic logistics. Paul's peripatetic ministry required careful coordination of workers. The casual mention of multiple locations and coworkers shows Christianity's rapid geographic spread. Titus would leave established Cretan leadership to join Paul's continuing mission—discipleship produces reproducible leaders.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you plan ministry strategically, using seasons and circumstances wisely like Paul?
- How do you train and deploy workers so ministry continues when you're absent (like Titus leaving Crete)?
- What can you learn from Paul's relational ministry style—constant coordination, mutual support, strategic deployment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus—Ἀρτεμᾶς (Artemas, not mentioned elsewhere) ἢ Τυχικός (ē Tychikos, or Tychicus—Paul's trusted messenger, mentioned five times: Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7; 2 Timothy 4:12; Titus 3:12). One would replace Titus in Crete. Be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis (σπούδασον ἐλθεῖν πρός με εἰς Νικόπολιν, spoudason elthein pros me eis Nikopolin)—σπουδάζω (spoudazō, be diligent/make every effort). Nicopolis ("victory city") existed in several locations; probably Epirus in northwestern Greece.
For I have determined there to winter (ἐκεῖ γὰρ κέκρικα παραχειμάσαι, ekei gar kekrika paracheimasai)—κρίνω (krinō, decide/determine) perfect tense indicates settled decision. παραχειμάζω (paracheimaxō, winter/spend the winter). Mediterranean travel ceased in winter (Acts 27:9-12); Paul planned stationary ministry during that season.