Paul's letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon offer practical instructions to Christian leaders and workers. Written by the apostle well-schooled in debate and persuasion, the inspired words of these theologically rich and practically viable epistles provide godly wisdom to churches of all ages in the administration and direction of the Lord's work, by faithfully applying God's timeless truth recorded in these small, yet powerful books.
Paul's Letters to Christian Workers Guiding the Servant Paul's letters to Timothy, Titus, AND Philemon offer practical instructions to Christian leaders and workers. Written by the apostle well-schooled in debate and persuasion, the inspired words of these theologically rich and practically viable epistles provide godly wisdom to churches across the ages in the administration and direction of the Lord's work, by faithfully applying God's timeless truth recorded in these small yet powerful books. "The PCF Commentary Series is an invaluable tool. It gives a fresh perspective on what the bible tells God's people, with practical instructions for pastors,teachers, and church leaders. Chris Gates Youth Pastor
Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus have sometimes been labelled his 'Pastoral Epistles'. Scholars have assigned them to a later period in Paul's ministry, when churches he founded were more settled in structure, perhaps after release from his first imprisonment in Rome and during a second (which may be true). Others postulate a later pseudonymous writer, claiming to be Paul (which may not be true). The fact is that all Paul's letters are 'pastoral' in content, full of paternal care and concern for his converts and their fellowships. What really distinguishes these is that they are addressed to individuals rather than churches. So it seems more appropriate to classify them as his 'Personal' correspondence. We can therefore expect them to reveal more of his personal relationship with his and their reactions to his delegated responsibilities, giving helpers their unique interest and relevance. It also enables us to include the brief note to Philemon, whose importance in the New Testament tends to be overlooked.
In this volume, Gloer and Stepp interpret Paul's letter to Philemon and the Pastoral Epistles-Titus and 1 & 2 Timothy. Philemon tells a simple and straight-forward story of Philemon and his escaped slave Onesimus. How can the story of an escaped slave returned to his master hold any meaning for believers today? Indeed, in Philemon we encounter a practical working out of Paul's foundational theological ideas-grace, faith, atonement, reconciliation, freedom in Christ, new creation, and the ethical life that stems from these. In their study of the Pastoral Epistles, Gloer and Stepp describe the continuation of Paul's missionary work, the internal and external conflicts, and Paul's gradual withdrawal from the work that has defined his life. In Paul's absence, how will the churches address the conflicts and persecution? They survive and thrive by trusting the successors that Paul provided for them. Like other volumes in this unique series, "Reading Paul's Letters to Individuals" focuses on comprehending the major themes of the epistles and their relationship to the understanding of the early Christian communities. With the focus on the work in its entirety rather than a verse-by-verse methodology, this volume will appeal to the professional and nonprofessional alike, as well as to college and seminary students.
These four letters from Paul were written to men whom he considered to be his sons in the faith. In 1 Timothy and Titus, Paul gave practical explanations of church order. In 2 Timothy, he taught believers how to relate to the truth of God. In Philemon, he set a wonderful example how believers should relate to one another as he appealed to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus. These letters are valuable, instructive, and applicable to all members of God's family. Paul is the perfect individual to give this instruction because of his calling as an apostle and his close relationship to the early Christian church. All who study these letters should find them extremely beneficial as they guide each of us towards Christian maturity!
These oft-neglected New Testement books actually deal with topics that should be of great interest to today's readers. As with his other books and about which millions of readers can testify, William Barclay displays a remarkable writing talent that combines a profound mastery of the ancient languages with the wider conversation of secular literature and a deep devotion to scripture. For almost fifty years and for millions of readers, the Daily Study Bible commentaries have been the ideal help for both devotional and serious Bible study. Now, with the release of the New Daily Study Bible, a new generation will appreciate the wisdom of William Barclay. With clarification of less familiar illustrations and inclusion of more contemporary language, the New Daily Study Bible will continue to help individuals and groups discover what the message of the New Testament really means for their lives.
The Bible is simply a love letter compiled into sixty-six books and written over a period ofsixteen hundred years by more than forty authors living on three continents. Although theauthors came from different backgrounds, there is one message, one theme, one thread that runs throughout the entire Bible from the first book, Genesis, to the last book, Revelation. That message is God's redeeming love for mankind--a message that is as relevant for us today as it was two thousand years ago.Paul's Letters to Pastors (First Timothy, Second Timothy, Titus, and Philemon) were written to individual men responsible for leadership in three different churches: Timothy in Ephesus, Titus on the island of Crete, and Philemon in Colossae. These letters were written over a period of six years, from AD 61 to 67. Second Timothy is Paul's last epistle penned from prison, most likely just months before his martyrdom.From the very beginning of the church, leadership was necessary, and appropriate leadersand their leadership roles had to be established. Thus, as you study these books, you will become acquainted with the character traits of a leader, the various forms of leadership, the descriptions of ministry for various groups of people within the church, and the warnings against false teachers and practices.All of this was new ground in the first century AD, and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, it was ground broken well and permanently. Two millennia later, biblical churches still look to these books for direction in church leadership.
First and Second Timothy and Titus are designated Pastoral Letters because they deal with leadership and organizational issues of the early Christian community. Probably written after the death ofPaul, they nevertheless express what Paul himself would have and could have written to community leaders. Second Timothy gives the greatest amount of biographical material we have aboutPaul. The Letter to Philemon, a miniature but authentic Pauline jewel, is a masterpiece of persuasion regarding a slave's freedom. Terence J. Keegan's perceptive commentaries on these precious remnants of first century Christianity provide information and insight regarding the gradual growth of the church. There are pertinent lessons here for today's shepherds and their flocks. Terence J. Keegan, OP, serves as the executive vice president and treasurer at Providence College, Providence, Rhode Island.
Leading People into the Way of Jesus You might not immediately think of yourself as a “leader,” but the apostle Paul likely would. When Paul uses the term leader in a church context he includes anyone who mentors or cares for people into the way of Jesus. In this volume of the New Testament Everyday Bible Study series, Scot McKnight explores four letters written by Paul to three pastoral leaders—Timothy, Titus, and Philemon—and how they model wise advice for leaders in the churches of Ephesus, Crete, and Colossae. Throughout the study of these four letters, McKnight reveals important elements of leadership for us today through Paul’s mentoring of these three leaders. The first three letters are commonly referred to as the Pastoral Epistles, as Paul pastors Timothy and Titus on how to lead churches in Ephesus and Crete, and in the fourth letter, Paul pastors Philemon to lead a house church through a challenge. While these letters are specific to their contexts, they offer timeless wisdom for all sorts of church leaders, from parents and teachers to pastors and business leaders. In the New Testament Everyday Bible Study Series, widely respected biblical scholar Scot McKnight combines interpretive insights with pastoral wisdom for all the books of the New Testament. Each volume provides: Original Meaning. Brief, precise expositions of the biblical text and offers a clear focus for the central message of each passage. Fresh Interpretation. Brings the passage alive with fresh images and what it means to follow King Jesus. Practical Application. Biblical connections and questions for reflection and application for each passage.
