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The Bible Speaks Today: New Testament
The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus
In the letters to Timothy and Titus, as he nears the end of his life, Paul focuses on the idea of inheritance. The faithful, he writes, must guard and pass on the heritage of gospel truth for the next generation. Paul's clear commitment to the church as "the pillar and foundation of the truth" continues to challenge Christians in every era. In this revised Bible Speaks Today volume, John Stott finds in 1 Timothy and Titus a dynamic truth that orders Christian life in the church, the family, and the world. With his trademark warmth and clarity, Stott guides readers through the text, highlighting key themes and applications for today. Stott's pastoral voice and dedication to teaching the Word echo Paul's as he calls each generation to guard the message entrusted to them. This revised edition of a classic volume features a new interior design, updated Scripture quotations, and light updates throughout.
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 1996
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146 people want to read
About the author
John R.W. Stott
305 books553 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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April 26, 2025John Stott carryjob for my small group
December 4, 2017
As usual from John Stott, a balance of selected exegetical comments (particularly on key words and concepts), very occasional interaction with other scholars when necessary, a good summary of the overall direction and structure of each passage, and practical discussion of real life implications. The most consistently helpful of the various commentaries used whilst preaching through each of the pastorals at different times. I'm not sure exactly why, but Stott consistently connects better with my context and provides genuinely helpful preaching material more often than any other commentator.
On my second reading (in preparation for training church planters in Nepal in Pastoral Skills & Leadership) I appreciated Stott's wide experience in the developing world, which helps minimise Western-specific applications and perspectives in his writing. (Read Titus 2013, 1 Timothy 2016, 1 Timothy again for 2017 Church Planter training in Nepal)
On my second reading (in preparation for training church planters in Nepal in Pastoral Skills & Leadership) I appreciated Stott's wide experience in the developing world, which helps minimise Western-specific applications and perspectives in his writing. (Read Titus 2013, 1 Timothy 2016, 1 Timothy again for 2017 Church Planter training in Nepal)
November 14, 2017
A very helpful book for those who want to study 1 Timothy or Titus as a book. This is not a commentary that could be used as a verse by verse reference but does break the scriptural books into sections. It will not answer all questions you have in the text or provide all historical context, but it is very easy to read and provides excellent practical application.
I used this to help prepare for leading a men’s bible study in the book of Titus and found it to be very helpful.
I used this to help prepare for leading a men’s bible study in the book of Titus and found it to be very helpful.
April 12, 2021
Stott is a wonderfully clear and lucid commentator. His commentaries are always approachable, pastoral, applicable, and never shy away from controversial topics. While I don’t agree with his interpretation of 1 Tim 2:10-15, I think most of his exegesis is solid.
July 8, 2024
Excellent commentary that enriched my personal devotions. Easy to read and follow the cultural and logical progressions. Stott does a fantastic job breaking down complicated arguments. I would highly recommend this series to anyone.
January 3, 2022
At first, I wanted to reread John Stott's excellent commentary on 2 Timothy because I thought it is a fitting book for me to end the year well. But when I realized that I haven't read commentary on 1 Timothy & Titus entirely, I should go for this one instead. This decision proved to be profitable and timely! Praise God. Why do I think reading good Bible commentaries is important? On the back cover of every J.C. Ryle's Expository Thoughts on the gospels says this gem of wisdom: "If the best way to understand the Christian Faith is to read the Gospels, then the next books in order of importance have to be those which aid in the understanding of those Gospels." I find that this is also true for the pastoral letters or epistles such as 1, 2 Timothy & Titus. The best way to know the truth is to read these sacred letters firsthand. The next best is to read good commentaries about them.
I love to read commentaries written by the late Dr. John R. W. Stott (1921-2011) especially on The Sermon on the Mount, Romans, and 2 Timothy. His books such as Basic Christianity, Your Mind Matters, and The Preacher's Portrait also plays a significant role in shaping my Christian faith, mind, and calling. I'm forever grateful for Uncle John's ministry! To come back to his commentaries, I find that Dr. Stott is clear in his expositions, balanced in his teachings, and faithful to the evangelical beliefs. They are both scholarly and yet readable. One very helpful feature that I like the most is that, when Dr. Stott comes to difficult or controversial passages of the pastoral letters (such as on slavery, sexual roles in the church, government, etc.), he will take extra care to outline and explain other major different interpretations before he proceeds to the most probable one with sound Biblical arguments* and applications. If you want to read Bible commentaries or looking for references to prepare for your sermon and Bible study, I fully recommend The Bible Speaks Today Series published by Inter-Varsity Press (IVP). Simply one of the best!
Before I end (sorry, this is NOT a book review after all), let me share how I use a Bible commentary like this one for all its worth. First, I will try to read 1 Timothy & Titus from at least 2 to 3 Bible translations. I read from the New Living Translation (NLT), the English Standard Version (ESV), and the JB Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS is actually a paraphrase). This first step is important because you need to be familiarized with the Scriptures before you study the Scriptures. By the way, keep in mind that the new edition of The Bible Speaks Today Series is using the New International Version (NIV) as the main translation. Secondly, always bring the Bible with you as you read through the commentary. The reason being is that when you read something that sparks your interest or speaks to you, you need to 'see' it in the pages of the Bible for yourself. This is not just good for memorization but also good for your faith and trust in the written Word of God. Finally, share what you have learned with as many people as possible through your social media, during Bible studies, when you give counsel to others, etc. If you read, you learn once. If you read and teach, you will learn twice. If you read, teach and live it, it will be part of your life 😉✌💡
To read my #1Book1Week book reviews, CLICK HERE: https://legasitv.blogspot.com/search/...
I love to read commentaries written by the late Dr. John R. W. Stott (1921-2011) especially on The Sermon on the Mount, Romans, and 2 Timothy. His books such as Basic Christianity, Your Mind Matters, and The Preacher's Portrait also plays a significant role in shaping my Christian faith, mind, and calling. I'm forever grateful for Uncle John's ministry! To come back to his commentaries, I find that Dr. Stott is clear in his expositions, balanced in his teachings, and faithful to the evangelical beliefs. They are both scholarly and yet readable. One very helpful feature that I like the most is that, when Dr. Stott comes to difficult or controversial passages of the pastoral letters (such as on slavery, sexual roles in the church, government, etc.), he will take extra care to outline and explain other major different interpretations before he proceeds to the most probable one with sound Biblical arguments* and applications. If you want to read Bible commentaries or looking for references to prepare for your sermon and Bible study, I fully recommend The Bible Speaks Today Series published by Inter-Varsity Press (IVP). Simply one of the best!
Before I end (sorry, this is NOT a book review after all), let me share how I use a Bible commentary like this one for all its worth. First, I will try to read 1 Timothy & Titus from at least 2 to 3 Bible translations. I read from the New Living Translation (NLT), the English Standard Version (ESV), and the JB Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS is actually a paraphrase). This first step is important because you need to be familiarized with the Scriptures before you study the Scriptures. By the way, keep in mind that the new edition of The Bible Speaks Today Series is using the New International Version (NIV) as the main translation. Secondly, always bring the Bible with you as you read through the commentary. The reason being is that when you read something that sparks your interest or speaks to you, you need to 'see' it in the pages of the Bible for yourself. This is not just good for memorization but also good for your faith and trust in the written Word of God. Finally, share what you have learned with as many people as possible through your social media, during Bible studies, when you give counsel to others, etc. If you read, you learn once. If you read and teach, you will learn twice. If you read, teach and live it, it will be part of your life 😉✌💡
To read my #1Book1Week book reviews, CLICK HERE: https://legasitv.blogspot.com/search/...
April 8, 2021
Summary
The book begins with an introductory section arguing for the Pauline authorship of the Pastoral Epistles. He surveys the positions against Pauline authorship, but finds them unconvincing and adopts the view that Paul adopted a “constructive use of an amanuensis” (p. 34) which would account for some variations in style and vocabulary, but that Paul must not be robbed of his authorship.
Stott unifies his commentary on 1 Timothy around the theme of “The life of the local church,” outlining the text around this theme according to the following structure:
Apostolic Doctrine (1:3-20)
Public Worship (2:1-15)
Pastoral Oversight (3:1-16)
Local Leadership (4:1-5:2)
Social Responsibilities (5:3-6:2)
Material Possessions (6:3-21)
As the reader should expect, Stott spends most of his time commenting on 1 Timothy as it is the larger book. The topics of combating false teachers, appointing and supporting church leaders, Christian behavior, and the sin of covetousness recur throughout the commentary as these topics recur throughout 1 Timothy.
Stott’s comments on Titus are unified around the theme of “doctrine and duty” and outlined according to the three main contexts in which Christian doctrine and duty should reign:
Doctrine and Duty in the Church (1:5-16)
Doctrine and Duty in the Home (2:1-15)
Doctrine and Duty in the World (3:1-8)
In the church, apostolic doctrine and duty are to be spread through the multiplication of faithful teachers and elders and the silencing of false teachers. In the home, older men, older women, younger men, and younger women are all given specific instructions relative to their age, gender, and the unique temptations which accompany them. In relation to the world, doctrine and duty can be propagated by maintaining a good testimony in the sight of men through submission to proper authorities and kindness to all.
Evaluation
The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus provides a readable entry-level commentary on these two pastoral epistles. Stott provides pertinent background information and transliterated Greek words, and the tone of the commentary falls somewhere in between a technical commentary and a devotional commentary. There are times in which it seemed the commentary became unnecessarily bogged down in background information and missed the devotional aspect, but the devotional tone is still prevalent throughout.
The commentary covers much of the text of these two epistles very well. Stott follows the text in continually pointing out the false teachers and their false message. He provides some hints but avoids empty speculation as to the precise nature of their false teaching in Paul’s day while maintaining the constant need to silence false teachers. He did not shy away from the biblical command to confront, rebuke, and silence false teachers. He also provided good insight that the best strategy for silencing false teachers is to multiply faithful teachers.
The section on support for widows and ministers was enlightening. He provided background information and contemporary applications for a section of scripture that seems confusing and remote to 21st century westerners. Stott’s commentary on the section on material possessions at the end of 1 Timothy also provided excellent understanding and application for the modern reader.
Stott’s commentary on the two controversial issues of women in the ministry and the meaning of “husband of one wife” in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 was decidedly non-controversial. He spent several pages providing background information and differing opinions on what in 1 Timothy 2 should be cross-cultural and permanent and what should be culture-specific and temporary. At the end of it, he came away without really declaring which he deemed correct, and which he deemed incorrect. This was an understandable but disappointing conclusion. On the issue of “husband of one wife,” he came to a surer conclusion, but still left the door open for differing opinions.
While readers might have wished that Stott would have taken more definite positions on these two controversial issues, the commentary is overwhelmingly helpful. Pastors especially can find great benefit from the commentary as they preach through these two pastoral epistles. The study guide at the end of the book can also be helpful in that it provides questions that small group leaders can use to prompt discussion. Students can also benefit from this commentary since it does provide some basic background information for the text as well.
The book begins with an introductory section arguing for the Pauline authorship of the Pastoral Epistles. He surveys the positions against Pauline authorship, but finds them unconvincing and adopts the view that Paul adopted a “constructive use of an amanuensis” (p. 34) which would account for some variations in style and vocabulary, but that Paul must not be robbed of his authorship.
Stott unifies his commentary on 1 Timothy around the theme of “The life of the local church,” outlining the text around this theme according to the following structure:
Apostolic Doctrine (1:3-20)
Public Worship (2:1-15)
Pastoral Oversight (3:1-16)
Local Leadership (4:1-5:2)
Social Responsibilities (5:3-6:2)
Material Possessions (6:3-21)
As the reader should expect, Stott spends most of his time commenting on 1 Timothy as it is the larger book. The topics of combating false teachers, appointing and supporting church leaders, Christian behavior, and the sin of covetousness recur throughout the commentary as these topics recur throughout 1 Timothy.
Stott’s comments on Titus are unified around the theme of “doctrine and duty” and outlined according to the three main contexts in which Christian doctrine and duty should reign:
Doctrine and Duty in the Church (1:5-16)
Doctrine and Duty in the Home (2:1-15)
Doctrine and Duty in the World (3:1-8)
In the church, apostolic doctrine and duty are to be spread through the multiplication of faithful teachers and elders and the silencing of false teachers. In the home, older men, older women, younger men, and younger women are all given specific instructions relative to their age, gender, and the unique temptations which accompany them. In relation to the world, doctrine and duty can be propagated by maintaining a good testimony in the sight of men through submission to proper authorities and kindness to all.
Evaluation
The Message of 1 Timothy & Titus provides a readable entry-level commentary on these two pastoral epistles. Stott provides pertinent background information and transliterated Greek words, and the tone of the commentary falls somewhere in between a technical commentary and a devotional commentary. There are times in which it seemed the commentary became unnecessarily bogged down in background information and missed the devotional aspect, but the devotional tone is still prevalent throughout.
The commentary covers much of the text of these two epistles very well. Stott follows the text in continually pointing out the false teachers and their false message. He provides some hints but avoids empty speculation as to the precise nature of their false teaching in Paul’s day while maintaining the constant need to silence false teachers. He did not shy away from the biblical command to confront, rebuke, and silence false teachers. He also provided good insight that the best strategy for silencing false teachers is to multiply faithful teachers.
The section on support for widows and ministers was enlightening. He provided background information and contemporary applications for a section of scripture that seems confusing and remote to 21st century westerners. Stott’s commentary on the section on material possessions at the end of 1 Timothy also provided excellent understanding and application for the modern reader.
Stott’s commentary on the two controversial issues of women in the ministry and the meaning of “husband of one wife” in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 was decidedly non-controversial. He spent several pages providing background information and differing opinions on what in 1 Timothy 2 should be cross-cultural and permanent and what should be culture-specific and temporary. At the end of it, he came away without really declaring which he deemed correct, and which he deemed incorrect. This was an understandable but disappointing conclusion. On the issue of “husband of one wife,” he came to a surer conclusion, but still left the door open for differing opinions.
While readers might have wished that Stott would have taken more definite positions on these two controversial issues, the commentary is overwhelmingly helpful. Pastors especially can find great benefit from the commentary as they preach through these two pastoral epistles. The study guide at the end of the book can also be helpful in that it provides questions that small group leaders can use to prompt discussion. Students can also benefit from this commentary since it does provide some basic background information for the text as well.
May 21, 2018
“Stimulating and Applicable”. These are the words you will be thinking when you finish “The Message of 1 Timothy and Titus” by John R. W. Stott, as it is one of the most well pastorally written books on 1 Timothy and Titus that I have had the privilege of reading. This book is part of the ever-growing series called “The Bible Speaks Today”, produced by IVP Academic. “The Bible Speaks Today” is a thoroughly Evangelical series which serves as an introduction as well as practicality explaining the Books of 1 Timothy and Titus through a thoroughly Evangelical perspective. The author John R. W. Stott almost needs no introduction, for he is one of the most well know communicators of scripture, in both his preaching and writing. Furthermore he sreved as the New Testament editor of the “The Bible Speaks Today” series.
With reguard to the introduction, Stott virgiously argues for Pauline authorship and the importance of such in basic language. His arguments systematically destroy any critical arguments that have been put forth to this time. His arguments are up-to-date and even focus on the most critical and modern viewpoints.
Stott is a superb New Testament exegete specifically and when it comes to the the Pauline epistles. Furthermore Stott makes sure that the reader is getting an important look into the culture of the day and its influence on the text. Through this process Sott brings about conclusions which are gold for any pastor preaching exegetically through either 1 Timothy or Titus, or even someone who is reading through the books devotionally and is seeking extra help.
This work is a must-read by pastors preaching or layman teaching through the Books of 1 Timothy or Titus either in the Pulpit or in the Sunday School room. I highly recommend this volume as an aid in either of these circumstances.
This book was provided to me free of charge from IVP Academic in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
With reguard to the introduction, Stott virgiously argues for Pauline authorship and the importance of such in basic language. His arguments systematically destroy any critical arguments that have been put forth to this time. His arguments are up-to-date and even focus on the most critical and modern viewpoints.
Stott is a superb New Testament exegete specifically and when it comes to the the Pauline epistles. Furthermore Stott makes sure that the reader is getting an important look into the culture of the day and its influence on the text. Through this process Sott brings about conclusions which are gold for any pastor preaching exegetically through either 1 Timothy or Titus, or even someone who is reading through the books devotionally and is seeking extra help.
This work is a must-read by pastors preaching or layman teaching through the Books of 1 Timothy or Titus either in the Pulpit or in the Sunday School room. I highly recommend this volume as an aid in either of these circumstances.
This book was provided to me free of charge from IVP Academic in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
November 8, 2022
John Stott has again crafted an excellent commentary. This work on two of the pastoral epistles is a careful exposition of Paul's thought, providing cultural clarity and theological insights into these two supreme letters to the church. As a devotional reading, I found this commentary spiritually enriching as Stott continues to reveal how the text 'speaks today' in convicting and encouraging and stirring the believer in their sanctification.
Also, some of Stott's views (i.e. his hermeneutic on 1 Timothy 2:10-15 concerning women in pastoral ministry) I had not come across and have led me to further study in these areas. His insights into Paul's commentary on false teachers and church discipline were especially convicting, eye-opening, and refreshing; coming from an understanding of Scripture's authority and wisdom in these areas, rather than a wishy-washy sensitivity and ambiguous understanding of love.
Additionally, I appreciated Stott's discussion on broader church structure, as it revealed to me the many different opinions held by diverse brothers and sisters. In this I think is one of Stott's strengths: presenting the reader with the different opinions and interpretations of passages. At times, however, I wished Stott presented where he lands in these disagreements. Not that he never does this (in fact he does more often than not) but at times he would simply present both views and move on. Perhaps, however, this is simply the nature and brevity of such a small commentary.
Overall, Stott's commentary and, infinitely more so, Paul's pastoral letters have revealed to me yet again the wisdom found in the Word of God; and how the difficulties and controversies in the church could be greatly minimised by a higher and more sacred view of Scripture, and its subsequent practical outworking in our lives and ministries.
A fine work to build up the body of Christ.
Also, some of Stott's views (i.e. his hermeneutic on 1 Timothy 2:10-15 concerning women in pastoral ministry) I had not come across and have led me to further study in these areas. His insights into Paul's commentary on false teachers and church discipline were especially convicting, eye-opening, and refreshing; coming from an understanding of Scripture's authority and wisdom in these areas, rather than a wishy-washy sensitivity and ambiguous understanding of love.
Additionally, I appreciated Stott's discussion on broader church structure, as it revealed to me the many different opinions held by diverse brothers and sisters. In this I think is one of Stott's strengths: presenting the reader with the different opinions and interpretations of passages. At times, however, I wished Stott presented where he lands in these disagreements. Not that he never does this (in fact he does more often than not) but at times he would simply present both views and move on. Perhaps, however, this is simply the nature and brevity of such a small commentary.
Overall, Stott's commentary and, infinitely more so, Paul's pastoral letters have revealed to me yet again the wisdom found in the Word of God; and how the difficulties and controversies in the church could be greatly minimised by a higher and more sacred view of Scripture, and its subsequent practical outworking in our lives and ministries.
A fine work to build up the body of Christ.
October 18, 2022
In typical fashion, Stott provides a solid and eminently readable commentary suited for pastoral study or personal edification. He writes from an evangelical Anglican perspective, and as such provides helpful context from church history where applicable. He is fair and balanced on most of the controversial issues, such as those broached in 1 Timothy 2 like the scope of salvation and the question of women's authority in the church. Although, on the latter topic, one will want to supplement Stott with something like Gordon Fee's volume (republished in the UBS series, 2012) to get more information on the historical context and the problem of Artemis worship in Ephesus at the time. Stott leans slightly complementarian, with nuances, and is moderately Reformed in his theology. He defends Pauline authorship in a helpfully concise, 15-page introduction. Even where one might disagree with Stott's conclusions, you can't say they aren't carefully considered. All in all, this is a pretty good non-technical commentary on these epistles.
August 26, 2025
This is an accessible commentary on the Biblical books of 1 Timothy and Titus by one of my favorite theologians. Dr. Stott is deep and always breaks things down so they are relevant to our lives today. That is particularly appropriate for letters that Paul was writing to colleagues who needed to put his advice into practical use. Although these Biblical books are mostly straightforward, there are a few passages that generate theological controversy, such as whether women should hold leadership positions in the local church. Dr. Stott is gracious in laying out multiple sides of issues, but not afraid to take a stand and defend it well. (on my example, he says yes, and I agree)
January 28, 2019
One of the more helpful commentaries I used in a 1 Timothy sermon series.
April 18, 2020
Very articulate and comprehensive!
Want to read
September 15, 2021Commentary series highly recommended by Chad Kincer
April 14, 2022
After reading this, Stott is one of my favorite theologians. His commentary is practical, approachable, and level-headed with a helpful balance of context, theology, and modern day application.
November 11, 2024
Excellent commentary. Stott has become my favorite author as of late.
June 1, 2018
Good commentary. I really enjoyed the solid exegesis and the pastoral application that went along with it.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews