The Letters to Timothy And Titus (New International Commentary on the New Testament) [Hardcover]

Philip H. Towner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 28, 2006 | Series: New International Commentary on the New Testament

The most accessible, most broadly pitched full-length commentary on Timothy and Titus, this NICNT volume explores Pauls three letters to Timothy and Titus within their historical, religious, and cultural settings. In his introduction, Towner sets out the rationale for his historical approach, questions certain assumptions of recent critical scholarship, and establishes the uniqueness and individuality of each letter. Significantly, Towners work displays unprecedented interaction with four recent major commentaries on these Pauline letters. Centered on an outstanding translation of the Greek text and including thorough footnotes, bibliographical citations, and indexes, Towners commentary on Timothy and Titus is sure to become a standard reference for busy pastors, students, and scholars.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 883 pages
• Publisher: Eerdmans Pub Co (July 28, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802825133
• ISBN-13: 978-0802825131
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 2.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #85,867 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A grand achievement, October 13, 2006

By 

William Muehlenberg (Melbourne Australia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Letters to Timothy And Titus (New International Commentary on the New Testament) (Hardcover)

Major recent commentaries on the Pastoral Epistles that have featured a more-or-less conservative and evangelical stance include the NIGTC volume by Knight (1992), the Word volume by Mounce (2000) and the Anchor Bible/ECC hybrid by Quinn and Wacker (2000).

Towner is an authority in this area, and has already penned the IVPNTC volume on these books (1994). He also assisted Marshall in the ICC volume (2000). Thus his NIC volume is certainly the newest but also arguably among the finest.

For quite some time now, the NIC series has been the backbone of evangelical scholarship. Begun in the 1950s, the New Testament set is now almost complete (we still await Matthew and 2 Peter/Jude). It is probably the most consistent series in terms of conservative, evangelical scholarship. (The Old Testament set has quite a few more volumes still forthcoming.)

Towner's volume is a welcome addition to the NIC series. As to the Pastoral Epistles (a term he finds no longer of much value), Towner argues for Pauline authorship. There may have been others who contributed to their composition and message, but Paul is clearly their primary author.

On the vexatious question of women in leadership and ministry, he takes the egalitarian approach, finding fault with both the hierarchical and the radical feminist approaches. He carefully assesses the many issues involved in the question of female leadership, and argues that overall Pauline considerations (such as Gal. 3:28) must not be overlooked in this complex debate.

On some controversial topics, he takes a somewhat safe approach. For example, on the issue of homosexuality, he wisely makes this assessment: "The exegesis of these passages is not in question, and the fate of the current debate about homosexuality will rest on hermeneutics". He then directly moves on to the next passage!

The commentary itself is laid out in the standard manner of the NIC series. A lengthy introduction (90 pages) to the three letters deals with the usual material: text and translation, hermeneutical options, historical and theological considerations, and related matters.

The bibliography is helpful and extensive, although it does not follow the trend of some to list everything under the sun which even remotely relates to the book in question.

The commentary is fluid and easy to read, with more technical discussion relegated to numerous footnotes. Towner is fair and judicious to differing opinions, and is clearly well-versed in all the relevant literature.

In sum, this volume is a monumental achievement, giving these three short epistles major coverage. It will serve both student and scholar for many years to come. A splendid effort.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars an excellent expounded exposition on the Pastoral Epistles, January 19, 2007

By 

Derrick Logwood "diggyshiggy" (Oklahoma City, OK) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Letters to Timothy And Titus (New International Commentary on the New Testament) (Hardcover)

When first opening this book I was initially overwhelmed by the massive amount of material covered. The reading level is definitely not for beginners, but one will find the material to be well written and well divided. I also found this to be my best source when writing an exegesis paper on 2 Timothy 2:8-13. The massive amount of information assisted me in getting a well rounded view of the passage, in that Towner would take several words or phrases from the text and discuss their meaning or possible meanings historically, contextually, and grammatically.

Great book, definite must buy if you want a good commentary of the Pastoral Epistles on your shelf.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Letters to Timothy and Titus, July 12, 2008

By 

Grant Buchanan (Australia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Letters to Timothy And Titus (New International Commentary on the New Testament) (Hardcover)

This is a comprehensive yet readable commentary that can be used by both professional and lay person alike. Towner has covered both the historic reading and contemporary debates in developping his thought. He allows teh text to speak for itself while ensuring some guidance in the difficult passages. He avoids lots of technical language in the main body but, as true to NICNT commentaries, provides adequate coverage in footnotes and excursus.

A great comentary and well worth having on the bookshelf.