Historically speaking, the Pastoral Epistles are some of the most problematic writings in the NT. Yet, the contents and occasion of these epistles, shows Philip Towner, make the case for Pauline authorship overwhelmingly strong. Issues such as leadership, authority, materialism, false teachings, gender roles, and even marriage are new to the ears of the modern reader. Nor were they to Paul. This is precisely the reason a faithful and informed understanding of these epistles is so crucial. Towner, with outstanding scholarly acumen, communicates the intended meaning of the Pastorals in a way that is relevant and powerful for the Christian living in today's world. He brings the message to life and depends on Paul's teaching to make the point; Towner merely provides the informed conditions under which that can occur.
