Delve into the depths of Paul’s experiential and godly wisdom in 2 Timothy and Titus, and find encouragement for your own ministry
These are difficult days for those who pastor God’s people. In many parts of the world, especially in the West, culture and society have turned away from their Christian past, as if from something both passé and repulsive. Churches are profoundly divided over how to cope with this disorientating situation, and there is much unseemly confrontation. It is no wonder then that many people who might previously have considered giving their lives to full–time ministry in the church are now uneasy and uncertain at the prospect.
And yet it is at just such a time — when huge swathes of the population are ignorant of even the basics of the faith, and churchgoers are often left confused and bewildered by the deep public rifts in the church —
that we need trustworthy spiritual guides.
Paul, an apostle, missionary church planter, and a pastor of great experience, wrote to Timothy and Titus, his trusted younger colleagues in the ministry. They were facing huge challenges in serving the gospel, trying to keep their churches safe from charlatans and false teaching while doing the work of an evangelist in places famously full of idolatry,
immorality, and entrenched opposition. Paul’s letters gave them the guidance they needed in such a moment, to keep them on track. And his words contain vital instruction for those in the ministry today.
Shamelessly Suffering for the Gospel (2 Timothy
1:1–10)
Unashamedly Standing by Paul (2 Timothy 1:8–18)
Soldiers of Christ (2 Timothy 2:1–13)
Protecting the Flock (2 Timothy 2:14–26)
Keep Calm and Carry On (2 Timothy 3)
Fulfil Your Ministry (2 Timothy 4)
A Remedy for Plague (Titus 1)
What Accords with Sound Doctrine (Titus 2)
The Mercy and Grace of God (Titus 3)
Whether you are considering going into gospel ministry of some kind, training for it, or already engaged in it, this is a book to help you “fulfil your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5), discharging all its many difficult duties — for the glory of God and the good of the world.
Endorsements
… clearly addresses the present context and his strong and lively words challenge us to live and speak for Christ however unpopular that may be. Read it to be strengthened.
Peter Jensen Retired Archbishop of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
If you are exploring the idea of paid gospel ministry, or you have been a minister for many years: get this short commentary, dig into 2 Timothy and Titus, and be mightily encouraged. Dr Gatiss offers so many realistic insights to the challenges of ministry from the text that will help you be better prepared for the long haul.
Andy Fenton Director of 9:38: Raising Up Global Workers
… a stirring call from 2
Timothy and Titus for ministers to have confidence in the gospel and to be willing to suffer for it. Gatiss highlights the vital need for ministers who exhibit Christ–like character and practice personal godliness and purity.
John Stevens National Director, Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches, Market Harborough, Leicestershire
This biblical exposition of the Pastoral Epistles arose of out practical experience,
and experience in teaching others to teach others. It is a valuable guide and encouragement for both pastors and laity, and is written in a style which all can easily understand. We warmly recommend its use in the church.
Ben Kwashi Former Bishop of Jos, Nigeria; GAFCON General Secretary
Lee Gatiss opens the Word of God in these epistles with a comprehensive depth and in a manner that will bring clarity and confidence to the reader. This book is a treasure for both lay and ordained.
Julian Dobbs Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of the Living Word in North America
Paul’s words to Timothy, ‘fulfil your ministry,’ are as relevant and urgent today as they were when Paul first wrote them. As I eye the finish line, I am grateful to Lee Gatiss for drawing me back again and again to Paul’s words and for helping me think through their application both for myself and for those of the next generation that I am privileged to train.
Mervyn Eloff Rector, St James, Kenilworth, South Africa
Gatiss’s faithful exposition and insightful application conveys the power of God’s word to revive pastors and pastors–to–be for such a perilous time as this. It will kindle ‘fire in your bones’ for the gospel – its defence and its proclamation!
Dr. Lee Gatiss is the Director of Church Society, Editor of the NIV Proclamation Bible, and a Lecturer in Church History at Union School of Theology. He lives in Cambridge, UK.
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