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The Bible Speaks Today: New Testament #16
The Message of 2 Timothy
John Stott writes, "During the last five years I seem to have lived inside the second letter of Paul to Timothy. In imagination I have sat down beside Timothy and have tried myself to hear and heed this final charge from the aging apostle . . . "On each occasion I have been impressed afresh by the timeliness of today of what the apostle writes, especially for young Christian leaders. For our era is one of theological and moral confusion, even of apostasy. And the apostle summons us, as he summoned Timothy, to be strong, brave and steadfast."
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First published January 1, 1973
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About the author
John R.W. Stott
305 books555 followersJohn R. W. Stott is known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist, and communicator of Scripture. For many years he served as rector of All Souls Church in London, where he carried out an effective urban pastoral ministry. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States and around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne Covenant (1974). His many books, including Why I Am a Christian and The Cross of Christ, have sold millions of copies around the world and in dozens of languages. Whether in the West or in the Two-Thirds World, a hallmark of Stott's ministry has been expository preaching that addresses the hearts and minds of contemporary men and women. Stott was honored by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 30, 2021
Wonderful little commentary! Highly recommend for study and personal devotion. I was pleasantly surprised to read Stott’s comments on 2 Timothy 3, separating them from a lot of the dispensational madness that is taught through this chapter. I commend this book!
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August 28, 2023A little book of immense value. Less of a commentary and more of a long-form sermon, Stott’s exegesis is thorough without pedantry (< 150 pages), appropriately academic while practical (one need not be a Greek scholar to appreciate his footnotes), and overall an encouraging treatment of Paul’s final and most personal letter. A necessary and timeless reminder for all Christians to not be ashamed, but by God’s grace to run with endurance the race and endure suffering in preserving and promoting sound doctrine.
Also I have two copies so if you want your own HMU!
Also I have two copies so if you want your own HMU!
June 4, 2021
Stott is a wonderfully engaging writer. His “The Bible Speaks Today” NT commentary series is very good and this installment is no exception. It runs a meager 127 pages but each one is full of insight and wonderfully sound biblical exegesis. While I cannot follow Stott in all his conclusions, his writing is especially helpful for the layperson wanting to lead Bible studies or Sunday School classes.
January 10, 2022
Short. Rich. Quotable. This is a good devotional style commentary. Handles the text, employs some Greek, and unpacks the pastoral urgency of his dedication to the gospel of God.
A helpful little commentary.
A helpful little commentary.
June 24, 2025
Read again 2025: Just as good. Really remarkable ability to be concise and comprehensive at the same time.
Read 2011: If there's a John Stott commentary, it is my primary option! This one is the usual mix of reliable treatment of the text directed towards life application for an average reader. He always manages to be fairly brief, encouraging (often inspiring) and yet helpfully thorough. It is approaching 40 years old now, and while his applications haven't really dated, he (obviously) can't interact with recent commentaries, relying instead on yet older works. So it's helpful to have a more recent commentary on hand and/or a more technical commentary to provide comprehensive comment on textual issues.
Read 2011: If there's a John Stott commentary, it is my primary option! This one is the usual mix of reliable treatment of the text directed towards life application for an average reader. He always manages to be fairly brief, encouraging (often inspiring) and yet helpfully thorough. It is approaching 40 years old now, and while his applications haven't really dated, he (obviously) can't interact with recent commentaries, relying instead on yet older works. So it's helpful to have a more recent commentary on hand and/or a more technical commentary to provide comprehensive comment on textual issues.
January 3, 2022
“During the gestation of this book, I seem to have lived inside this second letter of Paul to Timothy. In imagination I have sat down beside Timothy and have tried myself to hear and heed this final charge from the aging apostle,” writes John Stott in the introduction. As for me, I imagine myself sitting down under the teachings of ‘Uncle’ Stott (1921-2011) as I read this commentary and take notes of his excellent exposition of the words of God in 2 Timothy. He also writes, “I have been impressed afresh by the timeliness for today what the apostle writes, especially for young Christian leaders. For our era too is one of theological and moral confusion, even of apostasy. And the apostle summons us, as he summoned Timothy, to be strong, brave, and steadfast.” Stott was 51 years old when he writes this and surely he had witnessed many ups and downs of Christianity in Europe particularly and the world generally during the five decades of his life. If it was true about 49 years ago when this commentary was originally published, how truer it is today!
He continues, “The words which crystallize the letter for me are the two little monosyllables su de (‘but as for you’), which occur four times. Timothy is called to be different. He is not to yield to the pressures of public opinion or conform to the spirit of his age, but rather to stand firm in the truth and the righteousness of God. In my judgment, nothing is more needed by Christians in today’s world and church than this same courage.” I couldn’t agree more. A call to be different is not a call to be a weirdo or taking it as merely a motivational talk. It’s about to be different from the world who don’t know the truth, the false teachers who distort the truth, and the unfaithful who neglect the truth. It’s about guarding and standing firm in the truth of the gospel. “Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me - a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus,” remind the apostle Paul to Timothy when he was in prison in Rome waiting for his death sentence (see 4:6), “Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:13-14). When I decided to accept God’s calling for me to enter the full-time student ministry about a decade ago, 2 Timothy is where I always go to draw encouragement from, to remind me of the mission, and to be a solid foundation for me to stand firm in the truth. My life verse - and not surprisingly, the purpose for LEGASI.tv ministry - to “Preach the Word” is taken from 2 Timothy 4:2.
In the previous article, I already shared why The Bible Speaks Today is one of the best expository ‘commentaries’ series out there and how to use it [CLICK HERE https://legasitv.blogspot.com/2022/01... to read]. But here I would like to zero in and declare with no apology that John Stott’s The Message of 2 Timothy is one of the best and important books in this series. I highly recommend this book to every Christian minister, especially the young leaders, who aspire to serve God in this high risk but also high reward calling in their lives. Stories of fallen ‘celebrity’ preachers nowadays shouldn’t be a surprise for us. In fact, Paul has warned us about this and more in 2 Timothy 3:1-9 and 4:3-4. Thus, we all have the potential to be in the statistic. We must with all our might and rely on God’s grace to “fully carry out the ministry God has given [us]” (2 Timothy 4:5, bracket mine) faithfully till the end. I think (although I cannot confirm with surety) the late Dr. John Stott end his ministry well. Paul’s statement can be his’ and ours’ in the near future: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” (2 Timothy 4:7). Amen 😉✌💡
To read my #1Book1Week book reviews, CLICK HERE: https://legasitv.blogspot.com/search/...
He continues, “The words which crystallize the letter for me are the two little monosyllables su de (‘but as for you’), which occur four times. Timothy is called to be different. He is not to yield to the pressures of public opinion or conform to the spirit of his age, but rather to stand firm in the truth and the righteousness of God. In my judgment, nothing is more needed by Christians in today’s world and church than this same courage.” I couldn’t agree more. A call to be different is not a call to be a weirdo or taking it as merely a motivational talk. It’s about to be different from the world who don’t know the truth, the false teachers who distort the truth, and the unfaithful who neglect the truth. It’s about guarding and standing firm in the truth of the gospel. “Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me - a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus,” remind the apostle Paul to Timothy when he was in prison in Rome waiting for his death sentence (see 4:6), “Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:13-14). When I decided to accept God’s calling for me to enter the full-time student ministry about a decade ago, 2 Timothy is where I always go to draw encouragement from, to remind me of the mission, and to be a solid foundation for me to stand firm in the truth. My life verse - and not surprisingly, the purpose for LEGASI.tv ministry - to “Preach the Word” is taken from 2 Timothy 4:2.
In the previous article, I already shared why The Bible Speaks Today is one of the best expository ‘commentaries’ series out there and how to use it [CLICK HERE https://legasitv.blogspot.com/2022/01... to read]. But here I would like to zero in and declare with no apology that John Stott’s The Message of 2 Timothy is one of the best and important books in this series. I highly recommend this book to every Christian minister, especially the young leaders, who aspire to serve God in this high risk but also high reward calling in their lives. Stories of fallen ‘celebrity’ preachers nowadays shouldn’t be a surprise for us. In fact, Paul has warned us about this and more in 2 Timothy 3:1-9 and 4:3-4. Thus, we all have the potential to be in the statistic. We must with all our might and rely on God’s grace to “fully carry out the ministry God has given [us]” (2 Timothy 4:5, bracket mine) faithfully till the end. I think (although I cannot confirm with surety) the late Dr. John Stott end his ministry well. Paul’s statement can be his’ and ours’ in the near future: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” (2 Timothy 4:7). Amen 😉✌💡
To read my #1Book1Week book reviews, CLICK HERE: https://legasitv.blogspot.com/search/...
September 18, 2017
Vintage Stott
Like all of Stott's work, the exposition in this volume is sober, reasonable, and clear. This series is designed for the average church member to grasp and receive profit. Hence, Stott mostly avoids meaty, involved discussions. Nevertheless, any student of the Bible whose primary concern is understanding and applying the text will benefit from this work.
Like all of Stott's work, the exposition in this volume is sober, reasonable, and clear. This series is designed for the average church member to grasp and receive profit. Hence, Stott mostly avoids meaty, involved discussions. Nevertheless, any student of the Bible whose primary concern is understanding and applying the text will benefit from this work.
July 16, 2018
John Stott has a very useful breakdown of Paul's letter. It is easy to see where he gets it, and the material he writes is extremely helpful.
September 1, 2018
Very clear explanations and application. A very informative and challenging read.
December 22, 2019
Read along with sermon series in Autumn/Winter 2019.
Excellent work. Highly recommend. Simple, clear, succinct.
Excellent work. Highly recommend. Simple, clear, succinct.
Read
July 6, 2022Concise. Rich. Pastoral. Historical. Practical. Typical Stott!
March 14, 2017
Stupendous
November 9, 2022
John Stott's commentary on 2 Timothy is simply brilliant. Fit for the layman's devotional time (or perhaps for the Bible study leader) this short (~100 page) work is an excellent supplement to Paul's final words to the church. As with every good commentary, its strength is in revealing the beauty, meaning, power, and command of the Scripture.
In Stott's commentary I was confronted with my own presuppositions of the text. For one example, 2 Tim 2:13 - "if we are faithless he remains faithful - for he cannot deny himself". Stott reveals that, as this links with the preceding verse (12b: "if we deny him, he also will deny us"), Paul is not saying that he remains faithful to us (however true), but is instead saying that in his 'denying' of those who 'deny him', he is faithful to his own character.
However, what I most benefited from is Stott's ability to stoke our imagination and emotions. This was especially true in his commentary on the fourth chapter, as Stott reveals to us Paul's emotional heart and need for friends before his execution. In this I found the links with Gethsemane convincing, painful, and humbling. Stott helped me to slow my reading and meditate on the emotional turmoil Paul experienced in this time, yet also his abounding hope in the Lord, who will bring him "safely into his heavenly kingdom" (4:18).
In Stott's commentary I was confronted with my own presuppositions of the text. For one example, 2 Tim 2:13 - "if we are faithless he remains faithful - for he cannot deny himself". Stott reveals that, as this links with the preceding verse (12b: "if we deny him, he also will deny us"), Paul is not saying that he remains faithful to us (however true), but is instead saying that in his 'denying' of those who 'deny him', he is faithful to his own character.
However, what I most benefited from is Stott's ability to stoke our imagination and emotions. This was especially true in his commentary on the fourth chapter, as Stott reveals to us Paul's emotional heart and need for friends before his execution. In this I found the links with Gethsemane convincing, painful, and humbling. Stott helped me to slow my reading and meditate on the emotional turmoil Paul experienced in this time, yet also his abounding hope in the Lord, who will bring him "safely into his heavenly kingdom" (4:18).
February 15, 2017
A solid commentary with a nice blend of scholarly and practical material.
February 12, 2017
This was the first volume of this commentary series that I have read, and I found it to be a very strong commentary. John Stott is an excellent theologian, and this commentary was very useful. While it's not a technical commentary, it's a very useful and readable one.
October 16, 2014
Very accessible, and a good study guide at the back. It would also have been worth the purchase price (I got it as a freebie) for the following quote alone... A lifetime's worth of mediation potential -
"The whole Bible unfolds the divine scheme of salvation—man’s creation in God’s image, his fall through disobedience into sin and under judgment, God’s continuing love for him in spite of his rebellion, God’s eternal plan to save him through his covenant of grace with a chosen people, culminating in Christ; the coming of Christ as the Saviour, who died to bear man’s sin, was raised from death, was exalted to heaven and sent the Holy Spirit; and man’s rescue first from guilt and alienation, then from bondage, and finally from mortality in his progressive experience of the liberty of God’s children."
"The whole Bible unfolds the divine scheme of salvation—man’s creation in God’s image, his fall through disobedience into sin and under judgment, God’s continuing love for him in spite of his rebellion, God’s eternal plan to save him through his covenant of grace with a chosen people, culminating in Christ; the coming of Christ as the Saviour, who died to bear man’s sin, was raised from death, was exalted to heaven and sent the Holy Spirit; and man’s rescue first from guilt and alienation, then from bondage, and finally from mortality in his progressive experience of the liberty of God’s children."
September 6, 2013
As I've been working through 2 Timothy in my monthly column over the past year, Stott's commentary has been an invaluable guide to grasping the gist of the letter and interpreting complex passages. The copy I read from the theological library in my office was filled with handwritten notes (mostly in Greek) from Spiros Zodhiates, which was a treat.
Aside from his excellent, astute, and readable commentaries and theological works, Stott was a towering example of perseverance in ministry, serving at the same local church nearly his entire adult life. What better pastor than Stott to guide you through the pastoral epistles?
Aside from his excellent, astute, and readable commentaries and theological works, Stott was a towering example of perseverance in ministry, serving at the same local church nearly his entire adult life. What better pastor than Stott to guide you through the pastoral epistles?
February 16, 2015
This was great, and I appreciate that footnotes and references were provided throughout. Stott's insight was great, but the constant references show that he is adept at looking at and analyzing other people's thoughts, too. I really enjoyed the book and found that if you keep a copy of Second Timothy by your side, it is a ton more effective.
Highly recommend.
Highly recommend.
November 3, 2012
Stott is a wonderful commentator of Scripture. He is clear, not too technical, and very sensitive to the logic and application of passages. At only 127 pages, this is a nice easy read for anyone who wants more help studying 2 Timothy.
November 16, 2012
We used this book as a teaching guide for our college ministry this summer, specifically for the college guys. It's my first experience with "The Bible Speaks Today" series, but thought it was a good, easy-to-read/easy-to-understand commentary, yet with plenty of challenging material.
March 26, 2015
I love the Bible Speaks For Today series, like a commentary but so much more. Great insight from one of this centuries greatest Bible scholars. Great richness and depth for the soul.
March 16, 2014
My first full commentary on a book of the bible, it was very helpful, nice concise format. I would use Stott's series again for another book of the bible.
December 24, 2019
I really appreciate Stott's practical and approachable commentaries. Everything I have read by him has been good. His book *The Cross of Christ* remains one of my favorite books.
July 30, 2022
I just started preaching a few weeks ago, and this book really helped me present Paul's letter to Timothy. It has a nice breakdown of the Greek all throughout without overwhelming me with it.
May 15, 2014
Really accessible commentary on a really challenging letter.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews