Paragraph 3:12–14

3:12a

As soon as I send Artemas or Tychicus to you: Paul planned to send either Artemas or Tychicus to go to Crete. When Paul wrote this letter he had not yet sent either of these men. He had not yet decided which one to send. Paul was referring to the time when the one he chose would arrive in Crete. Here are some other ways to translate this:

Later I will send either Artemas or Tychicus to take your place. As soon as he arrives…
-or-
Later I will sent Artemas or Tychicus to you. As soon as that one meets you…

I send Artemas or Tychicus: Paul intended to ask Artemas or Tychicus to go to Crete. He expected that they would do as he asked. In your translation, use a verb that refers to asking someone to make a trip or do a task. For example:

I tell either Artemas or Tychicus to go
-or-
I ask either Artemas or Tychicus to go
-or-
I cause either Artemas or Tychicus to go

Artemas: This man is not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible.

Tychicus: This is most likely the same Tychicus mentioned in Acts 20:4; Colossians 4:7; Ephesians 6:21; and 2 Timothy 4:12.

3:12b

make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis: The phrase make every effort means “do your best.” Paul wanted Titus to try to join him at the city of Nicopolis on the Greek coast. Crete was an island. So Titus would have to make a voyage by sea.

Here are some other ways to translate this verse part:

hurry to visit me in the city of Nicopolis (God’s Word)
-or-
join me at Nicopolis as soon as you can (Revised English Bible)

Nicopolis: Nicopolis was a city on the coast of Greece, northwest of Athens.

3:12c

because I have decided to winter there: Paul had decided to spend the winter months in Nicopolis. Ships usually did not travel on the Mediterranean Sea during the winter months of November through March because of stormy weather. Paul needed to find a place where he could spend those months.

When Paul wrote this letter, he was not yet in Nicopolis. If you need to make this clear in your translation, you could say:

because I have decided that I will go there and stay there during the winter
-or-
because that is where I will go to spend the winter

to winter: This phrase means “to pass the winter months.” If you do not have “winter” in your part of the world, here are two translation possibilities to consider:

• Use a phrase that mentions the cold. For example:

spend the cold season

• Use a phrase that mentions stormy weather. Refer to a time when it rains a lot, or a time when it is most difficult to travel by sea.

spend the rainy season

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