Читать книгу The House of God - Rev. John Peter Bodner - Страница 5

The Holy Spirit directed the apostle Paul to write the body of literature commonly labeled “the Pastoral Epistles” (1, 2 Timothy, and Titus). This designation is appropriate, since these letters were addressed by the veteran missionary to his two younger co-laborers in the Gospel. They required precise instructions about maintaining order in the Churches under their charge. There were false teachers to refute, Church leaders to appoint, gender roles to clarify, and moral conduct to define.

Although the distinct pastoral thrust of these epistles cannot be seriously denied, we also recognize their considerable value for the entire Body of Christ. These devotionals, in most cases, reflecting upon the text of 1 Timothy, contain numerous theological insights that will prove fruitful for Christians generally and particularly for pastors and seminary students.

As I gaze across at a bookshelf laden with volumes on the New Testament, I can see larger treatments on Paul’s epistles to Timothy. Many of them address matters related to dating, authorship, and complex textual issues. Admittedly, it is not the design of this book to tackle the finer details which fall within the purview of major commentaries. Nonetheless, the author has placed in our hands a theological gem. This is a magnificently constructed work that proceeds methodically and competently through the biblical text. It is marked by that admirable lucidity, brevity, refreshing saneness, and pastoral fervor that is inimitably associated with the author.

Readers will feel the weight of the biblical text and taste its sweetness as they peruse the material before them. They will be sharpened, blessed, and challenged to relish the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and to carry out their calling to spread the fame of the blessed Savior.

Rev. Dr. Glendon G. Thompson,

Pastor, Jarvis Street Baptist Church, Toronto, Ontario, Canada