PASTORAL EPISTLES
John R. W. Stott, D.D.

Course Description:

What are the essential qualities of church leadership? This course considers the insights given by the apostle Paul to the young pastors Timothy and Titus. Learners complete an expository and reading study of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus, focusing on theological issues, interpretive problems, and practical relevance. Topics covered include the essential qualities of Christian leadership, the relation of the law to the gospel, and the role of women in the church. Throughout the course, Dr. Stott encourages learners to apply the theology of the epistles to life and ministry.
3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours

Course Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1.      Know the messages, issues, and theological teachings of the Pastoral Epistles.

2.      Understand the special introductory problems of the Pastoral Epistles, particularly that of Pauline authorship.

3.      Demonstrate interpretative skill by wrestling with textual difficulties.

4.      Apply the lessons of the Pastoral Epistles to contemporary Christian life, both corporately and individually.

5.      Appreciate the special relevance of the Pastoral Epistles for Christian faith and conduct, especially in church life.

Course Lecture Content: 20 lectures @ 60 minutes each

  1. Introduction to the Pastoral Epistles
  2. The Law and the Gospel (1 Ti. 1:2-20)
  3. Christian Worship (1 Ti. 2:1-8)
  4. The Place of Women (1 Ti. 2:8-15)
  5. Qualifications for Ministry (1 Ti. 3:1-16)
  6. False and Faithful Teachers (1 Ti. 4:1-10)
  7. Advice to a Young Leader (1 Ti. 5:3-16)
  8. Widows, Elders, and Slaves (1 Ti. 5:3-6:2)
  9. Poverty and Wealth (1 Ti. 6:6-10, 17-18)
  10. A Charge to a Man of God (1 Ti. 6:3-5)
  11. Christian Ministry (Titus 1)
  12. Christian Behavior (Titus 2)
  13. Christian Salvation (Titus 3)
  14. Conclusion of Titus / Intro to 2 Timothy
  15. Guarding the Gospel (2 Ti. 1:8-18)
  16. Suffering for the Gospel – Part 1 (2 Ti. 2:1-13)
  17. Suffering for the Gospel – Part 2 (2 Ti. 2:14-26)
  18. Continuing in the Gospel – Part 1 (2 Ti. 3:1-9)
  19. Continuing in the Gospel – Part 2 (2 Ti. 3:10-17)
  20. Preaching the Gospel (2 Ti. 4:1-22)

Course Lecturer:

John R. W. Stott D.D., All Souls Church - London, England

Dr. John R.W. Stott is Rector Emeritus of All Souls Church in London, England, where he has served for over fifty years. Dr. Stott is a world-renowned speaker and author. He has been chaplain to the Queen since 1959. He also serves as president of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity. He has written over 40 books. His best known, Basic Christianity, has been translated into more than 50 languages. Other titles include The Cross of Christ, The Contemporary Christian, Evangelical Truth and New Issues Facing Christians Today.

Dr. Stott received his education at Rugby School and Trinity College Cambridge, where he got a 1st class degree in French and Theology. He has been awarded a Lambeth D.D., and has honorary doctorates from British, Canadian and American universities.

Course Texts:

Mounce, William D. The Pastoral Epistles. Word Biblical Commentary Series. Waco:
Word, 2000.