Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.4/10

A strong Reformed volume on 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus that helps us stay close to the text and preach with theological weight.

Publication Date(s): 2002

Pages: 464

ISBN: 9780851518206

Faithfulness to the Text: 8.5/10

We find careful attention to the passage in its flow, with a consistent concern to let the text govern the claims we make in preaching.

Christ Centredness: 8.3/10

We are helped to keep Christ central, with clear lines from the passage to the gospel, without forcing connections that the text does not support.

Depth of Insight: 8.2/10

We benefit from sustained theological reflection that clarifies key themes and strengthens our grasp of the book’s argument.

Clarity of Writing: 8.4/10

The writing is generally clear and ordered, though the older style sometimes asks a little more patience from the reader.

Pastoral Usefulness: 8.7/10

We are regularly helped toward proclamation, prayer, and practical shepherding, with application that grows out of exegesis.

Readability: 8.2/10

It is best read in steady portions. The style is older, but it remains accessible for pastors willing to read carefully.

Summary

At a Glance

Length: 464 pages
Type: Expositional
Theo. Perspective: Reformed
Overall score: 8.4 / 10
Strength: Clear, text bound exposition that strengthens preaching and doctrine together.
Limitation: Older style and occasional length mean it works best alongside a modern reference for background questions.

We find Patrick Fairbairn’s pastoral epistles commentary a steady, principled guide to church order, ministerial character, and gospel shaped perseverance. He reads Paul as equipping the church for faithful leadership in a hostile world.

Fairbairn is clear on the priorities of preaching, prayer, discipline, and sound doctrine. He helps us keep practical counsel rooted in the gospel rather than in mere pragmatism.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this volume because it treats these letters with seriousness, and because it speaks to the long haul realities of ministry. It helps us think about elders, deacons, and the care of souls with biblical proportion.

We also benefit from his warmth and balance. Fairbairn warns against error, but he also encourages faithful service and patient endurance.

It is a classic work, so it will not cover every modern debate. Yet it remains a trustworthy partner for pastors shaping church life under the word.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong Reformed resource for preaching and teaching 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus. It serves especially well in leadership training and pastoral formation.

As pastoral next steps, we can visit the Bible Book Overview, browse Top Recommendations, and use the Reformed Commentary Index to build a wiser working library.

Where to buy

Amazon Logos