Be Faithful (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon): It's Always Too Soon to Quit!

The "Be" Commentary

by Warren W. Wiersbe

In a fast-paced, technology-based era when drive-thrus, cell phones, laptops, and Internet banking are the norm, it's sometimes hard to fathom that God doesn't appreciate our frail attempts at spiritual shortcuts. Through the pastoral epistles, 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, with insight from Paul's letter to Philemon as well, Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe illustrates that working for God's Kingdom requires tenacity, never-ceasing prayer, and protective battle gear that only God can provide. In this commentary, you'll grasp the imminent danger of false teachers and, thus, the overwhelming need for godly ministers—people who preach,practice, and progress in the Word. By explaining how a healthy body of believers should operate, Wiersbe uses Paul's words to encourage today's church to stay the course and be faithful!

Genres: Christian, Theology, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Reference, History, Devotional

208 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1981

About the author

Warren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of the Moody Church and general director of Back to the Bible, has traveled widely as a Bible teacher and conference speaker. Because of his encouragement to those in ministry, Dr. Wiersbe is often referred to as 'the pastor's pastor.' He has ministered in churches and conferences throughout the United States as well as in Canada, Central and South America, and Europe. Dr. Wiersbe has written over 150 books, including the popular BE series of commentaries on every book of the Bible, which has sold more than four million copies. At the 2002 Christian Booksellers Convention, he was awarded the Gold Medallion Lifetime Achievement Award by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Dr. Wiersbe and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the BE Series, great commentary for Bible studies.

[David Cowpar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Wiersbe’s commentaries. They are easy to read and easy to understand. Chuck Smith would love him because he simply teaches the Bible simply. These commentaries I would suggest be read by people newer to a book or as a first commentary. They are so clear and concise but as a trade off lose some depth that other commentaries can provide.

[Frans Kempe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked his take on Philemon and many other things from the other Letters but I think that it was too general in many places and especially 1 Tim could easily been a separate study because of its content. Still i enjoyed his overview and easy way to open up the scriptures.

[Clara Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells Christians how to live out their Christian life. Faithfulness to doing the right thing in regards to family, friends, and others seems to be the watchword for these letters Paul wrote from a Roman prison. Wiersbe stresses how leaders are to conduct themselves in the church and in everyday life. I found this study to be the most meaningful of any study I have done in these books of the Bible. I think that is because I read these letters of Paul over and over.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this whole series. It helped me understand in a gentle way.

[Alastair Ferrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

useful study... this series as a whole... and this book included.

[Leann · Rating 5 out of 5]

always love Wiersbe commentaries!

[Hannah Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, thankful for Wiersbe’s willingness to seek the Lord and share what is true. 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus are all books that talk about leadership in the church. A hot topic currently with what is happening in the SBC. I want to know what is TRUE. What is God’s design for leadership in the church. Not the SBC’s, not man’s, not what others have told me . . . I think Wiersbe did a good job of explaining context and culture and also looking at what the Bible is stating. A good read with a lot of thoughts. Thankful for Jesus and that He can handle the big questions.

[Heather Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It amazes me how Wiersbe’s commentary written in 1981 feels as though it could be written today. These pastoral books are the guide to how Pastors and church leaders are to behave not only as teachers of the Word, but also how their lives should be a shining light to a culture that rejects God. Thought provoking and a study that had my Summer Bible study gang deeply considering and wrestling with God’s truth. Plus, I gained a deeper appreciation of church leadership and my role to be an encourager!

[Doctor Doom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wiersbe's "Be" Series is excellent and well worth reading. Reader friendly for the layman, and deep enough to aid the "professional" teacher/pastor/et cetera.
Also available as a 6 Volume hardback set covering the entire Bible. I like these individual volumes for their size [weight & convenience] but the material is the same in them both. Solid, sensible and scriptural.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a reason Wiersbe is a respected Christian author. In my opinion, his commentaries are insightful, backed by scripture, and relevant to people today. This book seems geared more toward church leaders since that is what 1 & 2 Timothy is primarily about but he also shows us that those qualities are needed in all Christians. I enjoyed it.

[Jan Norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always encouraged

Dr. Wiersbe Encourages us to be faithful because Christ was faithful to us. As I am reading through his commentary, I am encouraged and each book. This is a nice look at some of the letters Paul wrote.

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great look into some of Paul’s letters. I always enjoy Wiersbe’s commentaries! I especially enjoyed delving into the small book of Philemon. Though short in scripture, and in the commentary, it gave me a new insight into Paul and this interesting story of Philemon and Onesimus.

[Kenneth Fontenot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

One of the best books that I’ve read on the pastoral epistles. Easy to understand and immediately apply. To God be the glory. Amen and Amen.

[Mike Eccles · Rating 5 out of 5]

As ever, excellent, thought-provoking insights into some very relevant New Testament letters.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful book.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

25/50 of be series. I read alphabetically.
Like the other books on this series, the explanation is not deep. Wish the book could explore more each book in the bible.

[Marcus Goncalves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great commentary, geared more toward church leaders since that is what 1 & 2 Timothy is primarily about such qualities are also needed in all Christians.

[Ardith Arnelle-Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great self-study book for people going into the ministry.

[Chandra Householder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love the Be series of books. I use these as commentary when I'm studying the Word. You get into Warren weirsbe books you just cant go wrong in my opinion.

[Lady Safari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This sure was a powerful little book. I especially loved chapter 11 and chapter 13!

[Charlie Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good commentary on all books, good if someone wants to take the time to read scripture and a commentary. Will be revisiting this book

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Commentary

Very helpful in studying these four books of the Bible. Enjoyed the quotes and background information included. An excellent commentary.