Pastoral Epistles: An Introduction and Commentary

Tyndale New Testament Commentaries #14

by Donald Guthrie, Paul the Apostle

Guthrie's work on the Pastoral Epistles is part of the Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, a popular series designed to help the general Bible reader understand clearly what the text actually says and what it means without depending unduly on scholarly technicalities.

Genres: Reference, Theology, Biblical Studies, New Testament, Christian, Scripture, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1957

About the author

Donald Guthrie was a British New Testament scholar. Guthrie was a graduate of the University of London (B.D., Th.M., Ph. D.). From 1949 until his retirement in 1982 Guthrie was lecturer in New Testament studies at London Bible College (now London School of Theology), and from 1978 until 1982 he served as vice-principal of the college.
Guthrie wrote New Testament Introduction (1962) and New Testament Theology (1981) which are recognized as significant books related to the New Testament.

Reviews

[Joe Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

These three letters are largely approached in both the intro and the appendix from the vantage point of who wrote them and refuting those who believe that they were written much later by someone other than Paul. This also spills into the commentary. Since many of the letters of Paul have been questioned in recent years, this is valuable information presented fairly simply.
The commentary is solid if unremarkable. Since there is much repetition from Paul in three similar letters and a fair number of technical problems with understanding his writing, trying to offer historic solutions to the problems and picking the best one while trying not to repeat yourself is about the most you can hope for in a more intro volume. This the author accomplishes.

[Braden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Readable commentary, but not very focused on application or implications for the Church today. Spends much of it’s time addressing controversies and responding to other interpretations of the text, which to me feels more appropriate in a longer commentary than in these short ones.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lighter, readable commentary on 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introductory commentary

[Bret James Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This commentary is part of the Tyndale New Testament Commentaries. It predominantly uses the NIV translation, which is not my favourite, but is acceptable. This book is on par with other commentaries, I think. Donald Guthrie knows what he is about, and I believe he has handled the text appropriately. The book itself is attractive, well laid out, and is essentially error-free. This particular version is revised, almost exclusively in regard to switching to a current form of English. I always recommend that any commentary be used with at least one other--not because Guthrie is careless, but because I feel so doing is the intelligent way to approach commentaries as the presuppositions of the individual and the church background/tradition is going to impact how the text is handled. Guthrie provides a suitable introduction defending Pauline authorship, the historical background, and the other front matter one would expect in such a book. He also provides more detailed information in an Appendix at the end of the volume for those who want more information.

The three Pastoral epistles, I and II Timothy and Titus, have much in common is regard to type, doctrine, and historical situation, which is the reason they are generally treated together in a manner similar to the way the “evangelical” and the “prison” epistles are handled. The term “pastoral” was applied in the 18th century and serves as a slight misnomer in that the subject matter does not deal predominantly with the duties or organization of a pastorate. Still, this moniker is useful in regard to the distinction the title provides in organizing the Pauline writings by subject matter as the pastorals deal with church discipline, which is a pastoral matter. Further, it could be argued that the name is warranted due to both Timothy and Titus (the individuals) are pastors.

Unlike Paul’s other epistles, which were fully public, the pastorals are quasi-public. All three are written to individuals, Timothy and Titus. Paul wrote many such letters during his ministry to exchange news and to exhort the recipients in some fashion. Their inclusion in the canon demonstrates their value as it pertains to practical matters of the church. In the epistles, the brief doctrinal statements are intermingled with ecclesiastical advice and personal requests and references, which further evidences the letter quality of the epistles. They reveal much as to Paul’s reactions to the early conditions of the church and provide the apostle’s advice to his associates regarding how to deal with the same. Overall, the epistles demonstrate a loving concern for the ordering of church affairs for the benefit of the congregation and to the glory of the Lord and have, therefore, been an abiding source of pastoral guidance.

Guthrie has done a good job of providing a medium level of information that is accessible to both the scholar and laymen without making it too technical or dumbing it down, respectively. I think this book will appeal to anyone interested in learning more about these New Testament books, especially Christians who prefer the NIV text.

[Josue]

It's been so long ago that I read this, so I can't rate it at the moment.