The Pastoral Epistles (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus)

Mid-levelBusy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Publisher: IVP
Theological Perspective: Broadly Evangelical
Resource Type: Commentary
Last updated: February 6, 2026
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Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.2/10

A very usable mid level companion for preaching the Pastoral Epistles with both clarity and church shaping intent.

Publication Date(s): 2022
Pages: 320
ISBN: 9781514006733
Faithfulness to the Text: 8.4/10
We find careful, section by section exposition that respects context and keeps the letters’ aims in view.
Christ Centredness: 8/10
The commentary keeps the gospel centre clear, showing how sound doctrine and godly life flow from Christ’s saving work.
Depth of Insight: 8.2/10
We are helped with key interpretive decisions and with the theological shape of the letters, especially the link between truth and godliness.
Clarity of Writing: 8.3/10
Clear prose and sensible structure that supports preaching and teaching without heavy technical distraction.
Pastoral Usefulness: 8.4/10
Especially strong for church leadership application, training, and congregational instruction in healthy church life.
Readability: 8.1/10
Accessible for pastors and serious readers, with enough detail to be satisfying while remaining readable.

Summary

At a Glance

Length
320 pages
Type
Expository (Mid-Level)
Theo. Perspective
Broadly Evangelical
Overall score
8.2 / 10
Strength
Strong help for connecting doctrine, character, and church life.
Limitation
Readers needing sustained technical interaction will want a more specialised volume alongside it.

We find Osvaldo Padilla helps us read the Pastoral Epistles as Scripture for the church, not simply private letters for ministers. He explains the flow of each letter, draws out the recurring themes, and keeps the aim of healthy doctrine and godly life in view.

The Tyndale approach serves us well here, with concise exposition and careful attention to the pastoral pressures of real congregations. We are helped to see how Paul’s counsel forms leaders and protects churches.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary when we want an accessible guide for 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus that still takes the text seriously. Padilla is attentive to context, he handles the hard passages with care, and he keeps bringing us back to the purpose of these letters, the guarding of the gospel and the shaping of a godly household of faith.

We also benefit from his focus on ministry character. These letters press us to watch our life and doctrine together, and this volume helps us preach that with both urgency and patience.

For our teaching and training, it supports elders, deacons, and congregations who want clarity on church order without losing the heart of shepherding.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this as a strong mid level commentary for preaching and teaching the Pastoral Epistles. It is particularly helpful for pastors who want a clear grasp of the argument of each section, alongside steady guidance for leading the church in truth and love.

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
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Classification

  • Level: Mid-level
  • Best For: Busy pastors, General readers, Pastors-in-training
  • Priority: Strong recommendation

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Commentary

Bible Atlas

Reviewed by

An Expositor