First & Second Timothy and Titus (Interpretation | INT)

by Thomas C. Oden

Publisher:

John Knox

, 1989

Overview

Thomas C. Oden provides a modern commentary on the pastoral letters grounded in the classical, consensual tradition of interpretation. He depends on the writers Athanasius, John Chrysostom, Augustine, Jerome, Luther, Calvin, Henry, and Wesley. His underlying conviction is that these classical Christian exegetes are better interpreters of the pastorals, not simply because they were earlier but because they were more attentive to a received tradition of consensual exegesis and less distracted by speculative theories.

Oden utilizes the best, most accurate research concerning the historical, literary, and philological aspects of the pastoral letters. He addresses tough issues: the role of women in worship, problems of rich and poor, the relationship between servants and masters, policies concerning support of elderly widows, and how to handle church disruptions.

The book is organized in a systematic sequence, making the letters more accessible and useful for thematic preaching. It features otherwise unavailable information and insight on the events and thoughts of the apostle Paul at the close of his life.

Key Features

• Detailed introduction
• Bibliography

Contents

Top Highlights

“One clue indicating this as the proper interpretation is the presence of the definite article ‘the’ (tes) appearing before childbearing, so as to suggest ‘the childbearing’ (or better: ‘the Childbearing’), a special birth of a particular child rather than the childbearing of women in general. In Greek if the writer had wished to indicate childbearing in general the article would have been omitted.” (Pages 101–102)

“Hence Paul was not referring to childbirth generally but to a particular Childbirth, that of the Lord, a man born of woman, the promised seed. The woman (Eve) will be saved by the Childbearing (of Christ by Mary). Using Eve as a prototype for all women, the import is that all women are intended recipients of the salvation offered in the birth of Jesus.” (Page 101)

“Paul is saying: Let a woman learn in a tranquil manner with a humble attitude, unlike the disruptive voices in Ephesus. He personally would not permit these women to teach in a way that expresses an attitude of domination over men. For women do better by nurturing the virtues of quietness and tranquillity. Why? He offers two reasons.” (Page 98)

“‘Pastoral letters’ do not mean ‘to be ignored by laity.’ They address questions crucial to the health of the laity—the life of prayer, the meaning of public worship, care for the needy and poor, and sound teaching as the basis for holy living.” (Page 1)

“God keeps faith even if we are unfaithful. Why? Because God cannot be untrue to his divine word or unfaithful to himself (cf. Rom. 3:3). God cannot deny his own nature as holy love. It is God’s nature to love. For this reason he sent his Son as a ransom for all. Even if we disbelieve, God still keeps on offering to us this grace. If we pretend that God is not, it is not possible for God to go along with our pretense. When we are faithless to God, the only effect that can have is to once again underscore God’s own faithfulness to his word, which judges us for our faithlessness.” (Page 52)

Praise for the Print Edition

The Interpretation series from Westminster John Knox Press is clearly established as a rich source for teaching and preaching. They have tapped the talents of a varied and esteemed group of contributors, resulting in what is clearly the essential comprehensive commentary series on the Bible.

—W. Eugene March, A.B. Rhodes Professor of Old Testament Emeritus at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

The Interpretation series is an invaluable resource for any leader or scholar interested in interpreting the biblical text to the broader church. Its works are essential for pastors, educators, and church libraries.

—Brian K. Blount, President and Professor of New Testament at Union Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching First & Second Timothy and Titus
• Author: Thomas C. Oden
• Publisher: John Knox Press
• Publication Date: 1989
• Pages: 190

About Thomas C. Oden

Dr. Oden is Professor Emeritus of Theology and Ethics at Drew University. He is best known as an advocate of paleo-orthodoxy. He is a prolific writer, having authored over 40 books.