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Zenas
ZENAS (zē'nas, Gr. Zēnas). A Christian lawyer in Crete whom Paul asked to be sent to him, with Apollos, in Nicopolis (
ZENAS ze’ nəs (Ζηνα̂ς, G2424,
Paul knew of this and directed Titus to send Zenas and Apollos on to him in Nicopolis speedily (spoudaiōs) with provisions and full equipment (
All this would indicate that Zenas was a Jewish scholar and legal authority turned Hellenist who took a Gr. name when he was converted to Christianity. Some scholars believe that in view of the anti-Jewish sentiments expressed in the Pastoral Epistles (
Bibliography
D. Guthrie, The Pastoral Epistles (1957), 209-211; C. K. Barrett, The Pastoral Epistles (1963), 147, 148; J. H. D. Kelly, The Pastoral Epistles (1963), 256-259.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (1915)
(Zenas (
1. A Jewish Lawyer:
Paul calls Zenas "the lawyer." The meaning of this is, that, previous to his becoming a Christian, he had been a Jewish lawyer. The lawyers were that class of Jewish teachers who were specially learned in the Mosaic Law, and who interpreted that Law, and taught it to the people.
They are met with again and again in the Gospels, where they frequently came into contact with Christ, usually in a manner hostile to Him. For example, "A certain lawyer stood up and made trial of him, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" (
A different view of Zenas’ occupation is taken by Zahn (Introduction to the New Testament, II, 54), who says that in itself nomikos could denote a rabbi, quoting Ambrosiaster, "Because Zenas had been of this profession in the synagogue, Paul calls him by this name." But Zahn gives his own opinion that "since the Jewish scribe who became a Christian, by that very act separated himself from the rabbinic body, and since the retention of rabbinic methods and ways of thinking was anything but a recommendation in Paul’s eyes (
The ordinary meaning seems preferable, which sees in Zenas one who previous to his conversion had been a Jewish rabbi.
2. Paul’s Wishes regarding Zenas:
It is not certain where Paul was when he wrote the Epistle to Titus. But he directs Titus to come to him to Nicopolis, where he had resolved to spend the ensuing winter. And he adds the injunction that he desires him to "bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos"--Paul’s old friend from Alexandria--with him "on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them" (the King James Version). This may mean that Paul wished to have Zenas and Apollos with him at Nicopolis; but, on the other hand, it may not have this meaning. For the King James Version in translating "bring" is in error. The word signifies, as given in the Revised Version (British and American), "set forward" on their journey, that is, furnish them with all that they need for the journey. But even supposing Paul is not instructing Titus to bring Zenas and Apollos to Nicopolis--though this is perhaps what he means--yet it is most interesting to find these two friends of the apostle mentioned in this particular way, and especially at a time so near to the close of his life. Paul was unselfish as ever, solicitous that Zenas and Apollos be comfortably provided for on their intended journey. He is full of affectionate regard for them, interested in their welfare at every step; while he himself is far distant in another country, he remembers them with tender and sympathetic friendship. Doubtless the two friends reciprocated his affection.
Nothing more is known of Zenas than is contained in this passage.