Titus 3:13 Meaning Explained

Titus 3:13

Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing.

English Standard Version (ESV)

Paul urges Titus to "speed" Zenas and Apollos on their way, meaning to equip them thoroughly for their journey with whatever they might need, even though Zenas is an unknown figure and Apollos is a renowned teacher. This highlights how Paul valued and supported all gospel workers, regardless of their fame, by ensuring they had practical resources for their ministry.

What Titus 3:13 means

The Apostle Paul is concluding his letter to Titus, offering final instructions and greetings. Having just warned Titus to avoid divisive individuals, Paul now shifts to practical care for fellow laborers in the faith, Zenas and Apollos. He urges Titus to ensure these men, who are likely traveling together and ministering, have all their needs met for their journey.

The Vital Role of Support

Ever felt like you're running on empty? God's work often involves people on the move, and this verse highlights our part in keeping them going.

Paul urges Titus to 'do your best to speed Zenas and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing.' This isn't a casual suggestion; it's a divine imperative to actively support fellow believers.

Practical Ministry

Facilitate Movement: The Greek word for 'speed on their way' (pro...). It implies not just letting them go, but actively helping them along. This could mean providing transportation, resources, or even a safe escort.
Meet Needs: 'See that they lack nothing' is a powerful command to ensure all their practical needs are met for the journey. This shows that spiritual work requires tangible, practical support.
Shared Responsibility: Paul includes himself ('All who are with me greet you') and expects the Cretan believers, through Titus, to participate in this vital ministry. The church is a connected body, where everyone contributes to the mission.

Supporting those who travel for the Gospel isn't just a nice thing to do; it's an essential part of the mission itself, ensuring the message can spread effectively.

Zenas and Apollos: More Than Names

Who were these men Paul so urgently commended? Understanding their background reveals the depth of Christian fellowship and service.

Titus 3:13 mentions two key figures, Zenas and Apollos, who were clearly important to Paul and the early church.

Known and Unknown Servants

Zenas the Lawyer: Zenas is only mentioned here. The term 'lawyer' likely refers to someone learned in the Mosaic Law, perhaps a scribe. He might have been Jewish, but his exact background isn't as clear as Apollos'. Regardless, Paul entrusted him with significant responsibility and considered him a valuable partner.

Understand the original words

Original language

lawyerνομικός

nomikos · Greek Noun

One who interprets or practices the law; in the New Testament, this could refer to a Jewish expert in the Mosaic Law or someone versed in Roman law.

Historical context

Written: Likely around 63-67 AD.
Author: Paul, traditionally understood as the Apostle Paul.
Location: Written from Nicopolis in Macedonia.
Genre: Epistle (Letter) with a strong emphasis on practical instruction and exhortation.

Historical background

This verse highlights the interconnectedness of the early church's leadership, showing how prominent figures like Paul, Titus, Apollos, and Zenas collaborated and supported each other in ministry and travel.

c. AD 40s-50s
Apollos ministers in Corinth
Apollos, a gifted Alexandrian Jew, powerfully taught about Jesus in Corinth after being instructed by Priscilla and Aquila. He became a significant figure, sometimes associated with Paul's own ministry.
c. AD 50s
Paul's missionary journeys
The Apostle Paul undertakes extensive travels throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches and mentoring leaders like Titus.
c. AD 60s
Paul's imprisonment and travels
Following periods of imprisonment, Paul continued his ministry, likely writing epistles like Titus during his travels, possibly including a stop in Nicopolis.
c. AD 60s— this verse
Paul writes to Titus
From Nicopolis in Macedonia, Paul writes to Titus, his trusted co-worker, who is ministering on the island of Crete, providing instruction on church leadership and sound doctrine.

Key themes

01Care for fellow workers
02Generosity to travelers
03Supporting ministry work

Cross-references

Acts 18:24-28

This passage introduces Apollos, highlighting his eloquent teaching and deep knowledge of the Scriptures, which parallels the context of Zenas and Apollos needing support for their continued ministry.

3 John 1:5-8

This letter emphasizes the importance of supporting traveling ministers like Gaius supported those sent out by John, mirroring Paul's instruction to Titus to ensure Zenas and Apollos have what they need for their journey.

1 Corinthians 16:1-4

Paul's instructions here on collecting funds for the Jerusalem church show a pattern of organizing and providing for ministry needs, much like he is directing Titus to assist Zenas and Apollos.

Philippians 2:19-22

Paul speaks highly of Timothy and Epaphroditus, valuing their genuine concern and service to him, which reflects the high regard Paul had for fellow ministers like Zenas and Apollos.

Scholarly commentary

Titus 3:13: "Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them."

(13) Bring Zenas the lawyer. —A name contracted, as it seems, from Zenodorus. The term “lawyer” might possibly indicate that this friend of Paul’s was a Roman jurist, but it is more likely that the law in which he was an expert was that of Moses. Hippolytus numbers him among the seventy disciples, and relates how in after years he was Bishop of Diospolis. He is never mentioned by nam…
ellicott

Titus 3:13: "Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them."

Of this Zenas we read no more in holy writ, but of Apollos we read both in the Acts, and 1 Corinthians 3:4,5,22 : it seemeth they were about to go to Paul to Nicopolis. That nothing be wanting unto them; the apostle would have Titus take care that they might want no necessaries that might accommodate them in their journey.
poole

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What Titus 3:13 means

Historical background

c. AD 40s-50s

Apollos ministers in Corinth

Apollos, a gifted Alexandrian Jew, powerfully taught about Jesus in Corinth after being instructed by Priscilla and Aquila. He became a significant figure, sometimes associated with Paul's own ministry.

c. AD 50s

Paul's missionary journeys

The Apostle Paul undertakes extensive travels throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches and mentoring leaders like Titus.

c. AD 60s

Paul's imprisonment and travels

Following periods of imprisonment, Paul continued his ministry, likely writing epistles like Titus during his travels, possibly including a stop in Nicopolis.

c. AD 60s— this verse

Paul writes to Titus

From Nicopolis in Macedonia, Paul writes to Titus, his trusted co-worker, who is ministering on the island of Crete, providing instruction on church leadership and sound doctrine.