The Appearing of God Our Savior: A Theology of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus

by Claire Smith, Thomas R. Schreiner (series_editor), Brian S. Rosner (series_editor)

An Introduction to the Theology and Themes of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus

The letters of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus were written by Paul to trusted coworkers toward the end of his apostolic ministry. As Paul’s delegates, they were to teach and defend the truth, model godly living, and ensure that godly church leadership was in place. But these letters are more than just a how-to guide for ministry.

In this volume of the New Testament Theology series, Claire Smith explores the central themes and theology of each letter, which consistently focus on God’s eternal plan in Christ to save a people for himself. Emphasizing that we live between the two appearings of Christ Jesus in history, Smith encourages readers to live in this present time as God’s household (1 Timothy), how to endure suffering as believers (2 Timothy), and how to live in an unbelieving world (Titus).

Part of the New Testament Theology  Other volumes include To Walk and to Please God; Ministry in the New Realm; United to Christ; and more  Resource for Church  Explores 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, written to guide church leaders toward authentic and gospel-centered ministry  Great for Studying the Bible More  Perfect for pastors, seminarians, college students, and laypeople

Genres: Theology

192 pages, Paperback

Published January 7, 2025

About the author

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Reviews

[Jimmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want a book exploring the New Testament theology of the Pastoral Epistles? This book might fit the bill of what you are looking for. This is the first volume I read in the New Testament Theology Series by Crossway where the editor are New Testament scholar Thomas R. Schreiner and Brian S. Rosner. I wanted to read the book to see what the series might be like in terms of the format and content, since I might read other books in this series but also because I have taught previously on the pastoral epistles and was gearing up to teach an inductive Bible study survey on 1-2 Timothy.
After the introduction that introduces who, what when and why the book consists of three parts: 1 Timothy which the section is subtitled “The Only God,” 2 Timothy which is subtitled “Remember Jesus” and Titus which is subtitled “God our Savior.” For Part 1 on 1 Timothy there’s five chapters, and part two on 2 Timothy consists of four chapters and part three on Titus consists of three chapters. The book closes with an epilogue and a section on recommended resources.
The author suggests the best way to read this book is to read it straight through; if one for example want to learn something of Titus there are things that are mentioned earlier in the book that one shouldn’t miss. Overall the chapters for each Pastoral Epistle begins with a chapter on the respective espistle’s theology of God (for example, for 1 Timothy chapter one is on “The God who saves” and for 2 Timothy it opens up with chapter six on “The God of Power” and for Titus the section opens with chapter ten on “The God of Grace”) then a chapter on soteriology and assorted topic chapters depending on the epistle (1 Timothy would have chapters on household of God and the promise of Godliness while 2 Timothy has a chapter on Scripture and also a chapter on suffering). These topical chapters are helpful arrangement.
While I did appreciate the thematic and topical consideration of each epistles I did felt I prefer more a verse by verse commentary format with studying the Pastoral Epistles. Yet I have also sampled a few other books recently that I did appreciate and enjoy where the academic rigor was quite insightful; I didn’t find this book to be like that though there’s overall nothing theologically problematic with the book. Still for those who are new to the study of the pastoral epistles there’s things to be gained for sure with reading this book. I can recommend it but with the caveat that readers should not be expecting a commentary.
NOTE: This book was provided to me free by Crossway without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tasked with distilling the pastoral letters to their major themes faces an immediate difficulty: the personal nature of the letters, and the specific contexts to which they were addressed, may cloud deeper theological truths. Smith admirably extracts these truths and organizes them in an accessible format.

One of the strengths of Smith’s approach is her thorough research and synthesis of those findings into her insights. Oddly enough, in that regard, I found the constant citations a bit distracting.

I get wanting to avoid any appearance of plagiarism, and it is of course important to acknowledge sources, but the preponderance of footnotes that simply referenced another work became overbearing. Smith is at her best here when she is writing in her own voice, not simply quoting or parroting others.

I have a special place in my heart for the book of Titus, having taught through it several times. Smith brings out important themes and nuances for this book (and the other two pastoral letters) in a helpful, edifying manner. She has given us another solid standalone entry in this stellar series.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this deep dive into 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. I had so many takeaways, especially with regard to the overarching theme of each book. This is a well-researched, scholarly, yet approachable examination of three of the apostle Paul’s letters.

Thank you, Crossway Books for a complimentary copy of this book! All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.