Titus 3:13
Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
Original Language Analysis
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νομικὸν
the lawyer
G3544
νομικὸν
the lawyer
Strong's:
G3544
Word #:
3 of 11
according (or pertaining) to law, i.e., legal (ceremonially); as noun, an expert in the (mosaic) law
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Itinerant ministers depended on Christian hospitality. Without hotels, believers housed travelers. Without postal system, they carried letters (Tychicus brought Ephesians, Colossians). Without funding organizations, local churches supplied needs. This created interdependence—missionaries dependent on churches, churches dependent on missionaries for gospel and teaching.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you support gospel workers generously, ensuring "nothing be wanting unto them"?
- How can you practice biblical hospitality—housing, feeding, funding missionaries and traveling ministers?
- What missionaries or gospel workers can you "send forward" with diligent, comprehensive provision?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently—Ζηνᾶν τὸν νομικὸν (Zēnan ton nomikon, Zenas the lawyer—mentioned only here) καὶ Ἀπολλῶν (kai Apollōn, and Apollos—Acts 18:24-28; 1 Corinthians 1:12, 3:4-6, 22, 4:6, 16:12). νομικός (nomikos, lawyer) could mean Torah expert or Roman jurist; context unclear. προπέμψον σπουδαίως (propempson spoudaiōs, send forward diligently)—προπέμπω (propempō, send on one's way/help on journey) with σπουδαίως (spoudaiōs, earnestly/diligently).
That nothing be wanting unto them (ἵνα μηδὲν αὐτοῖς λείπῃ, hina mēden autois leipē)—comprehensive provision for traveling missionaries. Early Christian hospitality networks enabled gospel spread. Missionaries didn't charge for the gospel but relied on believers' support (3 John 5-8), demonstrating fellowship and shared mission.