In his final messages to Titus, Paul urged him to come to the city of Nicopolis. Paul was headed that way for winter. We are not specifically told why, but it is not unlikely that Paul would spend a greater part of his time there preaching the gospel, and Titus would likely be of great help in his endeavors. Paul had left Titus in Crete to set in order things that were lacking (1:5). When he left, there would be a void. Paul would fill it with either Artemas, who is not mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament, or Tychicus, who Paul described as “a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord” (Ephesians 6:21).

It is evident Paul had reason to believe “Zenas the lawyer and Apollos” (v. 13) would be in Crete, or already were there. He instructed Titus to “Send [them] on their journey with haste, that they may lack nothing” (v. 13). Their journey taken to preach the gospel would require certain necessities. Paul wished for Titus to be involved in the good work of benevolence in providing for their need.

This also provided a teaching opportunity for Titus which Paul made sure to mention (v. 14). This was an opportunity for the brethren there to participate in good works. Brethren were in need, and they had supply. As Christians, they were created for good works (cf. Ephesians 2:10), and as they had opportunity they were to do good, “especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). “That they may not be unfruitful” (v. 14) shows the emphatic need for proactive engagement in the church from all her members. Unfruitfulness is displeasing to the Lord, and therefore detrimental to spiritual well-being.

In verse 15, Paul gave his usual farewell greetings, and his prayer for the grace of God to continually abound toward the brethren and Titus.