Lexical Summary Artemas: Artemas Original Word: Ἀρτεμᾶς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Artemas. Contracted from a compound of Artemis and doron; gift of Artemis; Artemas (or Artemidorus), a Christian -- Artemas. see GREEK Artemis see GREEK doron NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably a contr. from a comp. of Artemis and dóron Definition "gift of Artemis," Artemas, a friend of the apostle Paul NASB Translation Artemas (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 734: ἈρτεμᾶςἈρτεμᾶς, Ἀρτεμα, ὁ (abbreviated from Ἀρτεμιδωρος (i. e. gift of Artemis), cf. Winers Grammar, 102 (97); (Buttmann, 20 (17f); Lob. Pathol. Proleg., p. 505f; Chandler § 32)), Artemas, a friend of Paul the apostle: Titus 3:12. (Cf. B. D. under the word.) Topical Lexicon Scriptural Record“When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to winter there.” (Titus 3:12) This lone reference situates Artemas among the apostle Paul’s inner circle of trustworthy messengers who could assume pastoral oversight when needed. Historical Background Artemas bears a common Greek name associated with Artemis, yet New Testament believers routinely retained pagan-origin names after turning to Christ (compare Dionysius in Acts 17:34). His presence in Paul’s team illustrates the gospel’s advance into Gentile society and the cultural breadth of the early Church (Ephesians 2:14). Ministry Role and Character By pairing Artemas with Tychicus—Paul’s seasoned courier to Ephesus and Colossae (Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7)—Paul signals equal confidence in both men. The intended assignment on Crete required: • Doctrinal soundness to reinforce elders against false teachers (Titus 1:9-11). Artemas thus belonged to a cadre of itinerant delegates (2 Timothy 4:9-12) who preserved apostolic teaching across scattered congregations. Connection with Paul’s Apostolic Strategy Paul routinely redeployed co-workers to address emerging needs (Acts 19:22; Philippians 2:19-24). Sending Artemas to Crete while summoning Titus to Nicopolis reveals a flexible, team-oriented pattern in which no church was left leaderless (2 Corinthians 8:23) and relationships remained mutually supportive. Early Church Tradition Later ecclesiastical lists of the Seventy identify Artemas as a bishop in Lystra or Iconium, though such claims rest on post-biblical sources. The tradition nevertheless preserves his reputation as a missionary overseer in Asia Minor. Theological Significance 1. Hidden yet honored service – Scripture immortalizes a man mentioned only once, affirming that God values faithful anonymity (Hebrews 6:10). Practical Lessons for Believers • Availability to Christ’s call matters more than public recognition. Related Biblical Themes and References Shared ministry: Acts 20:4; Romans 16:21. Pastoral delegation: 1 Timothy 1:3; Philippians 2:19-23. Unity in diversity: Romans 10:12; Galatians 3:28. Forms and Transliterations Αρτεμαν Ἀρτεμᾶν Arteman ArtemânLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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