Paul concludes his letter to Titus by mentioning four men, each of whom he commends or urges Titus to particularly care for. In this way also the church members in Crete will learn to care for their brothers and sisters in Christ. Who was Artemas? Obviously he is one of Paul's faithful co-workers. Beyond that we know nothing. But there are many names in the Bible whom are only briefly mentioned, who served God faithfully in their own generation. We will meet them in heaven some day. Tychicus is mentioned in Acts 20, Ephesians 6:21, and in Colossians 4:7. He stood with Paul in his ministry and was often Paul's messenger to one of the churches. For every man or woman in public ministry there is an always faithful soul serving behind the scenes. Zenas the lawyer, we wish we knew more. Being a lawyer he had a trained mind and no doubt worked with Paul in the many situations Paul faced in the various cities. Apollos is well known. He was an eloquent and fearless preacher and had a great ministry in both Corinth and Ephesus. Priscilla and Aquila had helped him see the full gospel message as revealed in Jesus Christ. The name of Titus may not appear here but several personal pronouns refer to him in these closing verses. Paul sends him loving greetings along with the good wishes of all who knew him. There are so many unnamed believers in the church of God. There are millions in the various countries of the world we will never see on earth, but we can pray for them and sense our one-ness with them. We look forward to the day when we will meet them personally and all the church will be complete in Christ in heaven. What a future to look forward to! |
沒有留言:
張貼留言