Charles Ellicott Commentary Titus 3:12

"When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, give diligence to come unto me to Nicopolis: for there I have determined to winter." — Titus 3:12 (ASV)

When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me. (Titus 3:12)—But Titus is here reminded—perhaps with some reference to the question of the treatment of the factious or heretical persons just mentioned—that he is only the temporary ruler of the Cretan Church, on a special commission from the great missionary Apostle. Quite probably, one of these two was intended to take the place of Titus when this favourite and trusted assistant of St. Paul was recalled to his master’s side.

Nothing certain is known of Artemas. Tradition, however, states that he later became Bishop of Lystra. Tychicus is mentioned in five New Testament writings—in Acts 20:4, Colossians 4:7, 2 Timothy 4:12, and here (Titus 3:12). He seems to have been one of St. Paul’s most esteemed friends. Paul speaks of him as a beloved brother, a faithful minister and fellow-servant in the Lord (Colossians 4:7); and the importance of the missions with which he was entrusted by his master to distant churches shows us how highly this disciple stood in St. Paul’s opinion.

To Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter. (Titus 3:12)—There are several cities bearing this name—in Cilicia, Thrace, and Epirus; and considerable doubt prevails as to which one the Apostle is referring. On the whole, the Nicopolis in Epirus seems the most likely spot the Apostle had chosen. This city was built by Augustus after the battle of Actium, from which it derived its name, “the City of Victory.”