Paul for Everyone: The Pastoral Letters 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus

New Testament For Everyone #16

by Tom Wright, N.T. Wright

Writing in an approachable and anecdotal style, Tom Wright helps us to see the pastoral nature of these letters. Paul is anxious to see that those who profess the faith should allow the gospel to transform the whole of their lives, right down to the deepest part of their personality, and is concerned that every teacher of the faith should know how to build up the community in mutual support, rather than tearing it apart through the wrong sort of teaching and behavior.

Tom Wright has undertaken a tremendous task: to provide guides to all the books of the New Testament, and to include in them his own translation of the entire text. Each short passage is followed by a highly readable discussion, with background information, useful explanations and suggestions, and thoughts as to how the text can be relevant to our lives today. A glossary is included at the back of the book. The series is suitable for group study, personal study, or daily devotions.

Librarian's note: See alternate cover edition of ISBN 0664227945 here.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Biblical Studies, New Testament, Christianity, Reference, Nonfiction

194 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

He also publishes under N.T. Wright.

Reviews

[Neil R. Coulter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing different to say about this one than the other "For Everyone" volumes. N. T. Wright is a comforting, challenging guide through the New Testament, and I'm glad for these books.

[Becky B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the rest of this commentary series, Wright starts off each entry by providing his own translation of the passage to be discussed, he shares a quick story that is related, and then will delve into discussing past and present applications (relating historical notes as necessary). Given the number of sometimes touchy subjects in 1 and 2 Timothy, this could be a mine field, but Wright sheds light on common misunderstandings (often by sharing relevant historical & cultural background) and helps diffuse a number of passages commonly viewed as tinder boxes within the church. Unlike any of the other For Everyone commentaries I've read so far, the topics covered in these books also lead Wright to share more insights on church leadership and best practices for those in ministry. Those in leadership positions within churches or other Christian ministries should find some good, readily applicable points in this commentary. But it would also be a good read for the lay person to better understand the struggles and how to better help their leaders.

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm starting to sound like a broken record with this series, but Mr. Wright has written a truly great commentary series for believers at all levels from the newbies to the pastors. His stories and his arguments are thought-provoking and entertaining even if you don't agree with him. This particular book covers the three Pauline pastoral letters, 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus. Mr. Wright does a great job of pointing out the special relationship Paul had with Timothy and Titus and how he instructs them on how to pastor a church with principles that are still used today. Are particularly interesting commentary in here is how Mr. Wright deals with Paul's lessons on women in the church, particularly in leadership positions. It's definitely worth the read as is the rest of this series.

[Bill Forgeard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Punchy, provocative, insightful, historically grounded and colourful, like most things NT Wright writes. Some of his favourite emphases are evident (the rule of King Jesus, the physicality of the future new heavens & new earth, attention to social issues). Justification is not a strong theme in the Pastoral epistles, so I didn't need to dust off the theological radar on that topic very often. Volumes in this series are very brief - there's no attempt to be comprehensive, and the tone is quite devotional. I found it profitable.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this with my Sunday school class. I've always preferred Timothy to Paul, even though you can only get at him through Paul. This series is a good "life application" style of reading, nothing complicated, just some stories from the author's life to fully illustrate how to apply the scriptures to modern day. There is a focus on pastoral or church leader lives.

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting at best... Wright has some excellent insights but he has even more poor ones in this "commentary." I was happy to take the good with the bad but cannot recommend this to our flock without the disclaimer.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series: the format, reasoning, tone, etc. Any of these little booklets are a great companion for personal Bible reading. I used this one particularly for a study of Titus and then for 1 Timothy 2.

[Mar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little sections, but lots of material packed into them. Have to re-read stuff.

[Tim Baumgartner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need to explore in more depth the issue of women elders in 1 Timothy. But overall, another fantastic commentary by NT Wright.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for any level of maturity.

[Russ Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had heard good things about this commentary series; nice to see the hype was justified. Will be checking out the others (soon).

[Mar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like his interpretation of Scripture and his comments on it.

[Shane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Helped me see nuances in the Bible passages by his creative use of personal stories. The scriptures came alive. Excellent!

[Charity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic, very readable and down-to-earth.

[Luke Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this as I was reading through the pastoral epistles and it is NT Wright lite. As usual his very readable style means it is full of great little helpful analogies but didn’t go into any depth in some of the key passages I was hoping for. In fairness that’s not the point of this brief series!

[Jeffrey N. Hora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear writing, compelling commentary.

[Oliver Pierce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was doing a small group on 2 Timothy and thought I'd supplement with my prep since I already had this on logos...some good chapters but overall meh.

[J Grimsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciate The New Testament for everyone series. Each of these books breaks down the scriptures with commentary that explain concepts and historical significance. Highly recommend this series!

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear, relevant and practical insights on 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus.

[Sagely · Rating 4 out of 5]

See my review of the volume on the Prison Letters.