This course is a thorough study of 1–2 Timothy, with special reference to their application to the present day. During the course, you will learn how to interpret and apply NT letters. Since these two letters represent the apostolic counsel of a spiritual father (Paul) to his dear son and apprentice (Timothy), guiding him about how to remain faithful and fruitful in pastoral ministry, they have much to teach us about ministry today.
The course unfolds in two halves. In the first half, we walk you through 1 Timothy step-by-step, showing you how to interpret and apply the letter. In the second half, you use the methods we modelled to interpret and apply 2 Timothy. In other words, the first half is a guided tour of 1 Timothy, while the second half is an inductive, self-study of 2 Timothy.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- demonstrate the ability to teach or preach from the Pastoral Epistles in a way that faithfully expounds the original meaning and draws out its significance and application for your ministry context.
- discuss exegetical questions and difficulties in the Pastoral Epistles and motivate personal conclusions about the meaning of the text.
- develop ministry maxims that are both faithful to the message of the Pastoral Epistles and faithful compasses to keep your ministry on course.
- explain concrete ways in which the teaching of the Pastoral Epistles has challenged, confirmed, or corrected your ministry philosophy or praxis.