A thorough and insightful commentary on Paul's letter to his coworker Timothy, which the apostle wrote before and during Nero's persecution. Spencer carefully examines each part of the letter and relates it to the overall flow of the argument and in light of the larger biblical, historical, social, and cultural contexts. How Paul's writing related to the ancient communities is highlighted in the light of original data gleaned from her explorations on location in Crete, Ephesus, and Rome. In addition, Paul's rhetorical and ministry strategies, especially as they relate to women and their role in the church, are explored. Throughout, Spencer presents an in-depth exegesis in a readable format enhanced by forty years of ministry.
Praise
"By explaining lexical, grammatical, historical, and theological matters, and by focusing consistently on canonical connections and pastoral application, Aida Spencer has written a lucid commentary that will prove helpful for general readers, students, and pastors alike." --Eckhard J. Schnabel, associate editor of Bulletin of Biblical Research
"This volume completes Spencer's valuable commentary on the Pastoral Epistles. Concise and readable, it also provides in-depth analysis of the flow of each letter, and serious word studies sensitive to both biblical and Greco-Roman usage...This volume is especially sensitive to the gender-oriented instructions concerning leadership and conduct in Titus and 2 Timothy. Highly recommended." --John R. Kohlenberger III, editor of The NIV Greek and English New Testament
"Aida Spencer's rich exposition of Paul's last letters is a welcome companion to her work on the first of the Pastoral letters, 1 Timothy. The commentary beguiles as it combines brevity and economy of expression with rich and deep insight into the meaning of Paul's message to the pastors he sent to Crete and Ephesus. As always, Spencer carefully attends to the world of the author and his recipients, framing his message within the cultural matrix of the Greco-Roman world. At the same time, she helps pastor, teacher, and student bridge the gap between the message then and now. Listen and relish as you hear the timbre of the apostolic voice afresh and anew." --Gene L. Green, author of The Letters to the Thessalonians
Aida Besancon Spencer is Professor of New Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Extraordinary Lecturer of North-West University. Besides teaching, Dr. Spencer has worked as a Spanish community organizer and Presbyterian minister. She was born and reared in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. She is the author of twelve books and hundreds of articles including 2 Corinthians: Daily Bible Commentary and Paul's Literary Style: A Stylistic Comparison of II Corinthians 11:16-12:13, Romans 8:9-39, and Philippians 3:2-4:13.
