Preach the Word: A Pauline Theology of Preaching Based on 2 Timothy 4:1-5

At some time or another every preacher has entered the pulpit wondering What shall I preach? This study finds the answer in the preaching charge of 2 Timothy 4:1-5 summarized in the command Preach the Word! In this careful examination of the preaching ministry of Paul as recorded in his letters and sermons in the book of Acts a Pauline theology of preaching emerges. What this work discovers is that the governing activity of the ministry of the Apostle Paul is the verbal proclamation of the gospel of Christ. All other activities in his ministry are subservient to this overriding concern and they find meaning only if preaching is primary. That being the case this book takes seriously the words of Paul when he encourages future preachers to follow his teaching conduct and purpose (2 Tim 3:10) offering Paul as the model for the Christian preacher. As readers will discover anyone who desires to preach biblically should seek to preach like Paul and the way to do that is to Preach the Word! As the president of a seminary I am concerned with the quality of instruction students receive. I want to hear students say of a professor a teacher who has come from God. Students say that about Steve Stout. Preaching is not shaped by methods but a biblical theology. Get out the notepad Stout is about to introduce you to the theology of preaching. I do not know a better professor for the subject! --Frank Scurry Carolina Graduate School of Divinity Greensboro NC Stephen Stout serves as Professor of Ministry of the Carolina Graduate School of Divinity in Greensboro NC and on the adjunct faculty at New Life Theological Seminary in Charlotte NC. He serves as pastor of the Shearer Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Mooresville NC and holds degrees from Columbia International University Grace Theological Seminary Covenant Theological Seminary and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is the author of The Man Christ Jesus (Wipf & Stock 2011).