I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus, Philemon (Holman New Testament Commentary | HNTC)
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
Dr. Larson reminds us how important and rich these letters are for us today. In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, he praised them for their faith and laid down basic theology about how to live a righteous life in the midst of a decaying culture. In his second letter to them, he again encouraged them in the faith and reminded them that their suffering was not in vain, that they would see the blessings of God. Paul wrote to Timothy to give instructions to a young pastor regarding finances, treatment of widows, preserving truth, standards for worship, and personal integrity. His second letter to his protégé reminded Timothy and the church to persevere under trials, to strive for a godly life, to keep the gospel of Jesus pure. Titus was commissioned to the island of Crete and Paul wanted to make sure the young pastor established a church there that honored God by sound doctrine, good behavior, and trustworthy characters. Philemon is a letter about grace and forgiveness, and about our treatment of fellow Christians regardless of their station in life.
Top Highlights
“In the first century, the word model referred to the mark left by a hammer or die as in the making of a coin, leaving an impression like the original. Thus, the Thessalonian church became a ‘model’ of believers banded together, a prototype of what a church should be.” (Pages 9–10)
“The church is to be a place of equality before God, where distinctions in wealth, occupation, gender, or race do not exist.” (Page 169)
“Admitting to God’s authorship is an acceptance of his authority over every aspect of life. By stating that Scriptures are God breathed, Paul established the Bible’s claim as God’s authoritative Word over all people.” (Page 306)
“It is a reminder to all of us that it is the image of Jesus in us—the way we model him—that attracts people to become like Christ.” (Page 9)
“Grace is the unmerited favor of God upon which we are so dependent. Peace is a judicial statement related to our daily fellowship with God as well as our eternal standing.” (Page 7)
- Title: Holman New Testament Commentary: 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon
- Author: Knute Larson
- Publisher: Broadman & Holman
- Publication Date: 2000
- Pages: 422
Knute Larson is the senior pastor of The Chapel in Akron, Ohio. He is the author of The Great Human Race, a book about personal discipline, as well other books on ministry and leadership. He earned a bachelor’s degree at Grace College, an M.Div. at Grace Theological Seminary, and a D.Min. at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.