The Good Book Company has produced a phenomenal series called “God’s Word for You.” This review is on Phillip Jensen’s volume called 1 & 2 Timothy For You.
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“God’s Word for You” Series
The Good Book Company has produced a phenomenal series called “God’s Word for You.” This series aims to be Bible-centered, Christ-glorifying, relevantly applied, and easily readable. The volumes in this series are created (1) to read, (2) to feed, and (3) to lead. In other words, this book could be read from cover to cover, or as a daily devotional, or as a resource that assists in preparation to lead others through the study of God’s Word.
These are not technical commentaries dealing with original languages or interacting with historical and recent scholarship. However, they are verse-by-verse expository guides to books of the Bible. Though not intended to be exhaustive in their interaction with the text, they are nevertheless quite thorough in their treatment of each verse.
1 & 2 Timothy For You
This review is on Phillip Jensen’s volume called 1 & 2 Timothy For You. This is the first volume that I’ve read by Jensen. I was certainly not let down! Jensen proves to be a competent handler of the Word of God. His writing style is clear and very easy to understand.
He also handles controversial passages (perhaps the controversial passage on women in leadership) with great wisdom and tenderness. Jensen holds to a conservative understanding of the women in ministry position, and though he doesn’t have much room to expound on it in this volume, he nevertheless provides an excellent treatment on that topic.
Jensen explains how these letters, written by Paul to his protege Timothy, are not just for Timothy. They are actually for a much larger audience that includes 21st century Christians. These books are for you! This is evident in the way that Jensen handles each and every verse of these two Bible books. It’s as if Jensen takes your hand and guides you through 1 & 2 Timothy and shows you what it means and how to apply it to your own life.
Layout and Content
Each chapter is divided into 2 parts. As one works through the chapter, each verse is found in bold (making it very easy for those who are using this as a resource to teach). There are also bold headings that help the reader to know what each section of the text is about. I also like the added touch of the indented quotes found on some of the pages.
Each chapter includes questions for reflections. Now, please hear me out at this point! Many books provide questions at the end of a chapter. I am guilty of skipping over those questions at times because of how poorly they can be written (not always practical; sometimes too easy, sometimes too complicated; etc.). Jensen writes out questions that are actually helpful and useful! Don’t skip over these.
Lastly, I just want to mention that there is a glossary included at the back of the book. Every now and then, the reader will come across a word that is gray, indicating that the word is found in the glossary due to it being a word that is not used in everyday language outside of the church. This can be very helpful!
I recommend this volume within the series “God’ Word for You”. I have come to love this series, and it is because of excellent volumes like this one by Jensen. Tolle Lege, take up and read!
Other Book Reviews in the “God’s Word For You” Series:
- 1 & 2 Samuel For You
- 2 Corinthians For You
- Colossians & Philemon For You
- Ephesians For You
- Exodus For You
- Galatians For You
- John For You
- Luke For You
- Philippians For You
- Psalms For You
- Revelation For You
- Romans For You
- Titus For You
Related Book Reviews by The Good Book Company:
Disclaimer: My thanks to The Good Book Company for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Matt became a joyful follower of Jesus at the age of 21. He is very grateful to be a husband to Lindsey, and a father to four boys. He is an ordained minister (teaching elder) in the PCA. He previously served as a pastor of biblical counseling and is currently a corporate chaplain in southern Delaware. Matt received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds an advanced certification in biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. In his free time, he loves playing with his boys, traveling with his wife, and reading (and buying!) books.
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