Equipped for Change: Studies in the Pastoral Epistles

by James W. Thompson, Paul the Apostle

CHANGE - this single word conjures up a storm of conflicting emotions, especially in today's church. While it is true that change is ushering in an unprecedented array of challenges and opportunities, it's important to remember that this isn't the first time the Body of Christ has had to find a reliable path through a shifting landscape. At the end of his life, the apostle Paul knew that change was inevitable. As he contemplated his beloved children in the faith, he considered how to equip them for the time when he could no longer personally assist their journey toward God. In his letters to Timothy and Titus, Paul opens his heart to those who would soon receive the baton of leadership. In Equipped for Change , James Thompson draws deeply from the lessons offered by Paul to his apprentices. From these pastoral letters he gleans biblical principles by which the church can prepare for the opportunities and guard against the dangers presented by an uncertain future.

148 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1996

About the author

Dr. James Thompson is the Associate Dean of the Graduate School of Theology at Abilene Christian University, Abilene, Texas. In addition, he is also a Professor of New Testament and an Editor for the Restoration Quarterly. After earning his B.A. and M.A. at ACU, he went on to earn his Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. He has also earned a B.D. from the Union Theological Seminary in New York. Dr. Thompson has been at ACU since 1992 and has served as chair of the Graduate Department of Bible and Ministry since 1997. Prior to his coming to ACU, he served as professor and President of the Austin Graduate School of Theology in Austin, Texas. He is the author of several books, including Our Life Together, The Mark of a Christian, Strategy for Survival, The Church in Exile, Equipped for Change and commentaries on 2 Corinthians and Hebrews. He was a translator of the Exegetical Dictionary of the New Testament. His research interests include the relationship between biblical interpretation and preaching.