1 and 2 Timothy, Titus: A Theological Commentary for Preachers by Abraham Kuruvilla

1 and 2 Timothy, Titus: A Theological Commentary for Preachers engages hermeneutics for preaching, employing theological exegesis that enables the preacher to utilize all the units of these Epistles to craft effective sermons.

This commentary unpacks the crucial link between Scripture and application: the theology of each preaching text (pericope). The three letters—collectively, the Pastoral Epistles—are divided into eighteen pericopes, and what the author is doing with what he is saying in each is explored. The overall theological trajectory of the Pastoral Epistles concerns the promotion of God’s economy by the community of God’s people. The specific theological thrust of individual preaching units is captured in this commentary, making possible a sequential homiletical movement through each pericope of the three Epistles.

While the primary goal of the commentary is to take the preacher from text to theology, it also provides two sermon outlines for each of the eighteen preaching units of the Pastoral Epistles. The unique approach of this work results in a theology-for-preaching commentary that promises to be useful for anyone teaching through 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus with an emphasis on application.

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 Endorsements

Brilliant as usual, Kuruvilla puts his pericopal approach to work in this theological commentary for preachers. Conversant with scholarship, grounded in the original text, and acutely relevant—I love this commentary and will turn to it often. Highly recommended!”

Andreas J. Köstenberger
Research Professor of New Testament, Director of the Center for Biblical Studies
Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri

Few commentaries on these Pauline letters rival this one for excellence in clarity, brevity, exegetical accuracy, theological acumen, and pastoral application. This is not to mention the author’s remarkable homiletical vision—if you preach or teach the Bible, this book will fuel rather than frustrate as you prepare to present. Kuruvilla draws on thorough knowledge of the historical background (both Greco-Roman and Jewish), the history of interpretation, and the contemporary literature to arrive at a compelling account of these epistles. Serious readers at all levels will find canonical understanding, encouragement in personal growth, and fresh treasure for public proclamation.”

Robert W. Yarbrough
Professor of New Testament
Covenant Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri

In a rapidly changing and increasingly complex world, professor Kuruvilla is to be commended for designing a commentary format that helps preachers and teachers prepare a faithful message as it is historically informed, rhetorically conscious, linguistically astute, theologically reflexive, hermeneutically sensitive, and practically oriented. Amidst the many commentaries available on the letters to Timothy and Titus, this one stands out as a reliable guide in bringing their theological message to the fore. As such, it deserves a wide audience.”

Jermo van Nes
Senior Researcher in New Testament
Evangelische Theologische Faculteit, Leuven, BELGIUM

Dr. Kuruvilla has achieved in this commentary what most commentaries do not even attempt. He provides deep exegetical work while also delivering solid exposition and homiletic insights that aid teachers and preachers. If you are looking for a commentary that combines academic credibility with pastoral sensibilities, this is the commentary for you.”

Benjamin L. Merkle
Professor of New Testament and Greek
Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina

With Privilege the Text! as a foundation, your theological commentaries have guided me into each book’s robust grammar (all that words say and do), demonstrating how the text makes meaning. While excavating just the right amount of the text’s saying, you guide me to its theological message, its doing. Then, with only a hint, you start me on my journey toward my sermon’s application and development.
Just now, I found your exposition of 1 Timothy 2:9–15 the most clear, concise, and compelling commentary on the question of women leading and preaching in the context of the church gathered for worship. This question, among others addressed in the Pastoral Epistles, is one of the most critical of our time. Now I have an excellent resource for anyone who asks where I stand, or—may I be so bold—what the Bible says on the issue.
It strikes me as somewhat ironic that your last commentary, Judges, expounded the failure of leadership in God’s economy whereas your latest, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, expounds a call to godly leadership that compels us to promote God’s agenda in and as the church before a watching world.
God bless you as you keep writing.”

Timothy S. Warren
Guide, Preaching Camp
Senior Professor of Pastoral Ministries
Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas