Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus, commonly called the 'Pastoral Epistles', are Paul's last letters before his martyrdom. Although written in the first century, they are very relevant for church life today. Contemporary issues such as the inspiration and authority of scripture, the characteristics of church leaders, the role of women, and the nature of holiness were high on Paul's priority list to be passed on to his 'sons in the faith', Timothy and Titus.

Douglas J. W. Milne was born in Dundee, Scotland. After completing arts and divinity degrees at Aberdeen University he did post-graduate work in America and later in South Africa. He teaches New Testament in the Presbyterian Theological College, Melbourne where he also lectures in theology, ethics and philosophy. He also pastors an inner-city congregation in Melbourne and is married with two adult children.