And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, —This is a reference to the Cretian disciples. They were to profess honest trades. It was important for the disciples to be self supporting and not be parasites to others. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). that they be not unfruitful. —The Christians at Crete were to help not only Zenas and Apollos but others also who were in need. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit (John 15:2).