Titus 3:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Titus 3:13
13 Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
Chapter Context
Titus 3 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of mercy, love, holiness. Written during after Paul's first Roman imprisonment (c. 62-64 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Cretan culture's negative reputation required special attention to Christian character.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-15: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Titus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Titus 3:13
13 Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Word: Matthew 22:35, Acts 18:24