GIFTED LABORERS. Titus 3:12 Even though we only know his name, we can infer from Paul’s words that Artemus was a brother who could be relied on to continue the work of the Lord after others had started and established it. He was willing to take responsibility for the work Titus had been doing in “setting things in order” in the various assemblies in Crete. He likely had enough experience to instruct and guide the believers in ways that would “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things” and encourage them to “maintain good works.”
When we understand what God wants us to do and do it wholeheartedly as if for the Lord, that is all that truly matters. The only ones who are genuinely important in any ministry we undertake for the Lord are Himself and those we are meant to serve. Whether anyone knows us or what we do is irrelevant. A businessman once told a salesman, “Never mind who gets the credit as long as the firm shows a profit.” Not everyone is willing to do that. It is good when we can, and do, recognize the work of a quiet laborer with the dignity and honor he deserves.
Tychicus was affectionately called a "beloved brother" by Paul, who also called him a "faithful minister," someone devoted to the work and workers as a "fellow-servant" in fellowship with Paul. He could be trusted to do what was needed and right. Paul mentioned that Tychicus might go to Crete, but in his second letter to Timothy, which was written after Titus, he stated that Tychicus had been sent to Ephesus. There were several cities named Nicopolis, and one of them was in the province of Epirus.
For some reason, perhaps to learn firsthand how things were at Crete, Paul wanted Titus to be with him at Nicopolis for the winter. In the work of the Lord, some people are especially suited to work together. Paul, an older man, wanted Titus, a younger man, with him for an extended period. Maybe he aimed to train him further in handling internal issues in assemblies or to teach him how to “rightly divide the word of truth.”