1-2 Timothy and Titus (ESV Edition) (Preaching the Word) [eBook]

To Guard the Deposit

There are substantial reasons to be energized about studying the Pastoral Letters of Paul. Between them they teach the proper ordering of the church (1 Timothy), they present a developed challenge to all Christians (2 Timothy), and they suggest God’s priorities for mature ministry (Titus). Experienced pastors R. Kent Hughes and Bryan Chapell have done their homework—applying sound principles in interpreting the texts so that we can understand what Paul was really saying.

Teaching on important matters for the local church, Hughes and Chapell offer a timely word to the many Christians who are concerned about their role and responsibility to communicate the truth of the gospel in this diverse and pluralistic society. The Pastoral Letters remind us that, like Timothy, we are to guard what has been entrusted to our care, to fight the good fight, and to keep preaching the Word.

Through the apostle’s words and the commentators’ insights here, we gain an understanding of what God requires of those who would lead in the local church, as well as of those who would be led. Embracing grace, loving godliness, and sharing Christ were not just charges to the early believers, and are not solely the responsibility of pastors, deacons, and elders in the church. They are exhortations for any of us who call ourselves disciples of Christ today.

R. Kent Hughes (DMin, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is senior pastor emeritus of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois, where he served as pastor for 27 years. He has authored numerous books for Crossway, including Disciplines of a Godly Man.

Bryan Chapell (PhD, Southern Illinois University) is president and professor of practical theology at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, where he has served in various capacities since 1984. In addition to his work at Covenant, Chapell is the author of a number of books.