Nothing Lacking
12 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there. 13 Send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them. 14 Let our people also learn to maintain good works to meet necessary needs, that they may not be unfruitful. 15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
The letter ends in travel plans and provisions, and quietly makes its last point: good works are how the church supplies what is needed.
The closing is ordinary business. Artemas or Tychicus will come, and Titus is to join Paul at Nicopolis for the winter. Zenas the lawyer and Apollos are to be sent on speedily, with nothing lacking for them. It is the escort duty the elder commends in his third letter, where receiving such travelers makes the host a fellow worker 3 John 1:8.
Then verse 14 turns the errand into the letter's last lesson. Our people are to learn to maintain good works for necessary needs, so that they will not be unfruitful. The good works pressed through three chapters are given a concrete object here: two men on a journey who need provisions. The theology of Titus 3:5 ends in a packed bag. And the final line closes as the letter opened, with grace — the thing that appeared, and taught, and is now what the reader is left holding.
settled What this mark means