The Pastoral Epistles: An International Theological Commentary

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This commentary offers a verse-by-verse theological interpretation of the First and Second epistles to Timothy and Titus. Bray reads the letters as authoritative scripture, moving beyond questions of whether they are pseudonymous, and of whether or not they are post-apostolic, instead looking closely at how they have been understood in the life of the Church. Bray engages with the history of commentary surrounding these letters, ranging from the Fathers to contemporary theology and exegesis. He reads the epistles as the authoritative word from God to his people, and through his engagement with the history of interpretation shows the constant thread of witness and confession that unites believers across the ages. In so doing, Bray shows why the Pastoral Epistles have survived the passage of time and have retained the canonical authority that they have always enjoyed.

Reviews

[Offers] something new among the range of existing historio-critical commentaries on the Pastoral Epistles. As such Bray's commentary is a helpful addition to the interpretation of these fascinating letters. * The Expository Times *
As a distinguished church historian and theologian, in this commentary Gerald Bray dares enter where angels fear to tread, since it involves texts at the heart of debates over womens ministry, ecclesial structure, and other controversies. Many will disagree with his verdicts, but all will learn from this experienced scholar. * GERALD MCDERMOTT, BEESON DIVINITY SCHOOL, USA *
This is a rare book, a commentary that actually does something new. In addition to sound exegetical sense in the discussions of individual verses, this volume has an expansive vision of the gospel and the character of God. The theological discussion is an important contribution to scholarship on the Pastoral Epistles. * Simon Gathercole, Reader in New Testament Studies, University of Cambridge, UK *

Author Bio

Gerald L. Bray is Research Professor of Divinity, History and Doctrine at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama, USA.