Equip: Resources on the Books of 1 & 2 Timothy

First and Second Timothy are pastoral epistles written by the Apostle Paul to his younger colleague Timothy, focusing on ministry leadership and church structure.

Even though they traditionally are attributed to Paul, many scholars believe they were written by someone else after his death. Regardless, these letters have been of great value to church leaders, especially in offering guidance on confronting false teachings, appointing qualified leaders and clarifying the essence of the gospel.

Paul’s letters to Timothy emphasize the importance of staying true to the gospel and modeling faithful, ethical leadership in the church.

In my ministry at First Baptist Church Kaufman en Español and elsewhere, I emphasize the importance of these letters by using 2 Timothy 2:2, where Paul says to Timothy: “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”

I believe this encapsulates Paul’s teaching to Timothy about the need for leadership training, ministry succession and church health.

Living Insights New Testament Commentary: 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus by Chuck Swindoll

Chuck Swindoll’s decades of pastoral experience and seminary leadership are poured into this commentary, combining theological analysis with practical applications for living a Christ-centered life for church leaders and members alike.

Using timetables and ancient maps, Swindoll provides an aerial view of the letters and then descends gradually with an introduction that includes cross-referenced Bible passages and historical and cultural context. He then engages the letter with a verse-by-verse and chapter-by-chapter analysis, inserting practical advice and examples for pastors and teachers.

The practical value this commentary holds for pastors and church leaders today is priceless. It is a great resource for those who love expository teaching.

Swindoll draws out the pastoral guidance and timeless principles on doctrine, character, leadership, endurance and care in ministry, and translates them into practical—even personal—advice. Through these lessons, Swindoll often sounds like a mentor to pastors and church leaders, helping them navigate Christian and church life in a different cultural context than Paul’s.

There is an intrinsic hope in this commentary that, by applying the principles of these letters, church leaders can shepherd their congregations better, stay rooted in sound doctrine and remain faithful to their calling—even through difficulties.

By the end of the commentary, Swindoll states: “To the end of my days, my major goal in life is to communicate the Word with accuracy, insight, clarity, and practicality.”

It’s easy to see that goal realized throughout the pages of this commentary.

Everyone Bible Study Guides: 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus by N.T. Wright

In my time as a New Testament instructor, I often taught and learned from N.T. Wright, one of the world’s leading New Testament scholars. Two of his books I used most are The New Testament in Its World and Surprised by Hope.

Another book I use for personal and church teachings is the 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus volume in Wright’s Everyone Bible Study Guides series. This Bible study guide is designed to help readers understand Scripture in fresh ways through thoughtful questions, prayer suggestions and helpful cultural background information, guiding individuals or groups deeper into God’s word.

The style of this Bible study resource invites students to interact with the biblical text through provocative questions that foster personal reflection and critical thinking. The structure of the study is simple yet spiritually and theologically deep.

Wright begins with a reflection on the chapter’s theme, followed by an open question to spark personal evaluation. Then comes the Bible reading, followed by specific questions, ending with a prayer.

Wright believes in these letters, Paul expresses two central concerns, which he addresses in this Bible study. The first is “everyone who professes Christian faith should allow the gospel to transform the whole of their lives, so that the outward signs of the faith express a living reality that comes from the deepest parts of the personality.”

The second is every teacher of the faith “should know how to build up the community in mutual love and support rather than, by the wrong sort of teaching or behavior, tearing it apart.”

This is a great resource, not only for a verse-by-verse Bible study, but also for engaging in the spiritual disciplines reflected in these epistles.

Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary: Exalting Jesus in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus by David Platt, Daniel Akin and Tony Merida

Like most things in life, to know how to build, assemble or simply do something, a manual is the best tool. That’s how 1 and 2 Timothy can be used—as a church leadership manual containing instructions Christian leaders should follow.

The editorial work in this commentary on 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus offers a different perspective from Swindoll and Wright. David Platt and Tony Merida emphasize how these letters apply to contemporary Christian life, demonstrating the guidance Timothy needed to lead his church amid strong cultural opposition is still relevant today.

Each section of this commentary highlights the chapter’s theme by exploring key passages, starting with a brief “Main Idea,” followed by an introduction, a thematic study and ending with a “Reflect & Discuss” section—making it ideal for personal devotion, small group study or sermon preparation.

The commentary underscores the importance of sound doctrine and godly character in church leadership, echoing the pastoral concerns of the Apostle Paul, as also emphasized in N.T. Wright’s guide.

A caution

One caution I would like to offer when studying Paul’s letters to Timothy is to approach controversial passages with prayer, an open mind and responsibility, recognizing each of the three commentators above may interpret them differently.

For instance, 1 Timothy 2:11–15 has stirred intense debate and division in the contemporary church due to its apparent silencing of women, leading some scholars to conclude women have been excluded from leadership roles.

In a cultural climate valuing gender equality, many faith leaders argue such interpretations fall short of the gospel’s standard, which elevates the dignity of marginalized groups, including women and slaves.

Dr. Pablo Juárez is pastor of First Baptist Church Kaufman en Español and a graduate of Baptist University of the Américas. The views expressed in this resource article are those of the author.