Andy Naselli

Thoughts on Theology

What God Says in 1 Timothy

by

My new book is available in print and Kindle formats, and it will soon be available from Logos Bible Software. It’s 808 pages.

Naselli, Andrew David. What God Says in 1 Timothy. Build & Fight Press, 2026.

I explain and apply the apostle Paul’s first letter to Timothy. In addition to expositing 1 Timothy, I also teach what the whole Bible says about men and women, pastors, deacons, slavery, work, and money.

Contents

Endorsements

“Andy Naselli has given the church a timely and forceful exposition of Paul’s first letter to Timothy. In an age when the household of God is tempted to confusion, softness, and surrender, this book calls pastors and churches back to the apostolic charge: guard the truth, pursue godliness, and fight the good fight of the faith. Naselli writes with clarity, conviction, and pastoral urgency. He does not treat doctrine as an ornament for the mind, but as the architecture of a faithful church. Here is a book for elders, fathers, teachers, and saints who want to know how the church of the living God ought to behave in a world drowning in falsehood. Read it, mark it, and let Paul’s charge strengthen your spine for the good fight.”
—Uri Brito, Senior Pastor, Providence Church in Pensacola, Florida; Presiding Minister of Council, Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC)

“If Andy Naselli writes a book, I’m reading it! I am glad to add this insightful and practical book on 1 Timothy to my Naselli collection. And I warmly encourage you to read and share this study on a Pastoral Epistle that pastors and churches desperately need to hear and heed today.”
—H. B. Charles Jr., Pastor-Teacher of the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church of Jacksonville and Orange Park, Florida

“Paul’s first letter to Timothy is an important book for the church due to its teaching on church government and the duties of men and women. There are several good commentaries in print, but what sets Andy Naselli’s work apart is its application, as well as its unique format. Do not let the page count of this book intimidate you. The headers, bullet points, and question-and-answer format make it easily accessible for all Christians. I plan to consult it regularly.”
—Zachary Garris, Pastor, Bryce Avenue Presbyterian Church (PCA) in White Rock, New Mexico

“From its summons to ‘fight the good fight of faith’ (1 Tim 1:18) to its discussion of false teaching, the proper use of the law, and God’s design for men, women, and the church, Paul’s first epistle to Timothy is stuffed with the sort of applied theology the church desperately needs in every age, including our own. To that end Naselli offers a thorough analysis of the big doctrines contained in this little book, explaining them with a theologian’s precision and applying them with a pastor’s heart.”
—Doug Ponder, Academic Dean and Professor of Biblical Studies, Grimké Seminary; Teaching Pastor, Remnant Church in Richmond, Virginia

“Andy Naselli has proven himself to be a faithful scholar, a trusted theologian, and a prolific author. Yet now, in addition to serving the universal church as a professor, he has taken on the mantle of being a pastor of his local church. This commentary on 1 Timothy is the fruit of that preaching ministry. With exegetical skill, Naselli offers pastoral wisdom in a style of writing that gets right to the heart of the text. For anyone preaching or studying 1 Timothy, this book will serve you well as a trusted source of biblical and theological insight.”
—David Schrock, Pastor of Preaching and Theology, Occoquan Bible Church in Woodbridge, Virginia; Editor-in-Chief, ChristOverAll.com

“Andy Naselli is a thoughtful exegete and a reliable guide. Pick up this volume if you are looking for a conservative, theologically informed, and readily applicable engagement with Paul’s longest pastoral epistle, 1 Timothy.”
—Colin J. Smothers, Pastor, First Baptist Church of Maize, Kansas; Executive Director, The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood

“This book is a rich asset for anyone thinking through 1 Timothy and the issues it raises. Andy Naselli’s sermons are marked by detailed analysis, careful attention to the text, and robust theological reflection and application. He speaks clearly and unashamedly, always pastorally with the aim of helping people live according to the truths of God’s Word so that they might please God and know the fullness of walking with God.”
—Ray Van Neste, Dean, School of Theology and Missions, Professor of Biblical Studies, Union University; author of Cohesion and Structure in the Pastoral Epistles, JSNTSup 280 (T&T Clark, 2004) and the notes on 1–2 Timothy and Titus in the ESV Study Bible (Crossway, 2008)

Preface (An Excerpt from the Book)

This book updates the first sermon series I preached to Christ the King Church in Stillwater, Minnesota. We first covenanted as a church on January 5, 2025, and it was my joy to explain and apply what God says in 1 Timothy. This raises five introductory questions:

Q1. Why are you publishing these sermons?

I wrote the sermons for my church—not for the internet and not for a book. But as I finished the series, it seemed good to my fellow pastors for me to lightly update my sermon manuscripts in a book.

When I study the Bible, it helps me to read not only technical exegesis of a passage but also how preachers and teachers have attempted to explain God’s words and to exhort God’s people in a church’s worship service. I pray that my teaching and exhorting may help you understand and obey what God says in 1 Timothy. That’s why I am publishing these sermons.

Q2. Why do some of your sermons explain what the whole Bible says about a matter?

For most of this book, I explain 1 Timothy passage by passage. (Those sermons are expositional preaching.) I also occasionally zoom out to explain what the whole Bible says about a matter and then show how that relates to what God says in 1 Timothy. (Those sermons are topical preaching.) I zoom out to address the following topics:

  • God’s good design for men and women (with reference to 1 Tim 2:9–15)
  • what shepherds do and how to discern if a man should be a pastor (with reference to 1 Tim 3:1–7)
  • deacons (with reference to 1 Tim 3:8–13)
  • slavery (with reference to 1 Tim 6:1–2)
  • work (with reference to 1 Tim 6:1–2)
  • money (with reference to 1 Tim 3:3; 6:6–10, 17–19)

I do that to show how the whole Bible fits together. The Bible brilliantly coheres. God does not contradict himself.

Q3. What resources on 1 Timothy do you recommend?

Here are five resources that I found especially helpful as I studied 1 Timothy—starting with the most helpful:

  1. Knight, George W., III. The Pastoral Epistles: A Commentary on the Greek Text. NIGTC. Eerdmans, 1992.
  2. Yarbrough, Robert W. The Letters to Timothy and Titus. Pillar New Testament Commentary. Eerdmans, 2018.
  3. Burk, Denny. “1 Timothy.” Pages 371–451 in Ephesians–Philemon. Vol. 11 of ESV Expository Commentary. Crossway, 2018.
  4. Calvin, John. Commentaries on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Edited and translated by William Pringle. Logos, 2010.
  5. Mounce, William D. Pastoral Epistles. WBC 46. Word, 2000.

Q4. How can I access your phrase diagram of 1 Timothy?

A phrase diagram is a type of argument diagram. An argument diagram graphically displays the text’s logical flow of thought in two ways: (1) by dividing up the text into propositions and phrases and (2) by specifying how the propositions and phrases logically relate to each other. A phrase diagram traces the argument by (1) indenting clauses and phrases above or below what they modify and (2) adding labels and symbols like arrows to explain how the propositions and phrases logically relate.

The title of my phrase diagram is Tracing the Argument of 1 Timothy: A Phrase Diagram (Logos, 2026). It’s available from Logos Bible Software.

I meticulously phrased 1 Timothy line by line in Greek and then mirrored that in the ESV before I drafted my sermons. The structure of most of my sermons reflects how I think Paul argues.

Q5. Why are you dedicating this book to Nathan Colestock, Tom Dodds, and Dustin Williams?

Those three men are my fellow pastors, and they gave me constructive feedback on each sermon. In 2024, we prepared to plant Christ the King Church together, and it has been a joy to build and fight with these like-minded and like-hearted brothers.

How to Write a Paper: Five Steps to Writing a Theological or Literary Research Paper

by

My new book is available in print and Kindle formats, and it is available for pre-order from Logos Bible Software:

Naselli, Andrew David. How to Write a Paper: Five Steps to Writing a Theological or Literary Research Paper. Lake Elmo, MN: Build & Fight Press, 2026.

My first print copy:

Contents

Who is this book for?

This book is for students—especially at the level of college and graduate school.

Advanced high school students could use it as well.

How should you use this book?

If you are a student, read this little book straight through before you write a paper, and consult it along the way as you plan, research, write, and revise.

If you are a teacher, require your students to read this little book before they begin the paper-writing process.

(This book is about how to write a research paper, but the principles apply to shorter essays as well as longer works such as an MA thesis, ThM thesis, DMin thesis, or PhD dissertation.)

Endorsements

“Naselli’s book helpfully supplies students a step-by-step, uncomplicated guide to writing a research paper, and by this he supplies teachers greater joys in grading and mobilizing a new generation of faithful communicators.”
—Jason S. DeRouchie, Research Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Theology and Rich and Judy Hastings Endowed Chair of Old Testament Studies, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; Pastor, Sovereign Joy Baptist Church in Kansas City, Missouri

“This is a remarkable resource that I wish I’d had on my desk years ago. As valuable for a professor as for a student, it is a practical guide to that dread academic exercise: the writing and the grading of research papers. It covers everything from conception to completion: researching and outlining, documenting and reasoning, editing and honing. I am buying copies for all my teachers.”
—George Grant, pastor of Parish Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Franklin, Tennessee; founder of Franklin Classical School, the Chalmers Fund, and the King’s Meadow Study Center; author of more than 70 books

“Andy Naselli is one of the most enjoyable authors to read because his prose is so clear and his style unencumbered by the typical academic jargon of our day. This book gives you direct insight on his writing process. Not only that, Naselli demonstrates what is the true foundation of clear writing—namely, clear thinking. Students and professors will gain practical, actionable insights for their academic writing and grading. Our day is in need of coherent and logical arguments made in a way that is faithful to God’s word and comprehensible to readers. That is where impact is made. I am grateful for the way this book paves the way for such writing to take place.”
—Jeremy M. Kimble, Professor of Systematic and Applied Theology, Cedarville University

“Professors often jest (with that kernel of truth that every good joke contains) that we teach for free and are paid to grade. Poorly researched, badly argued, sloppily written papers are to blame, of course, but the sad fact is that far too many papers match this description. And while only the gifts of God can make a great writer, anyone can become a good writer—or, at least, a better one. Naselli shows the way as a man who is no stranger to the author’s pen, having written two dissertations and a full shelf of books. Wise is the student who follows his advice, and blessed is the professor who makes this book required reading in his classes.”
—Doug Ponder, Academic Dean and Professor of Biblical Studies, Grimké Seminary; Teaching Pastor, Remnant Church in Richmond, Virginia

“Professors know the joys of teaching. Students know the joys of learning. And both professors and students know the pains of grading. In How to Write a Paper, Andy Naselli aims to increase joy and relieve pain for professors and students alike. Clearly and succinctly, he guides the reader through the research-and-writing process, modeling careful thinking, discipline, and pastoral wisdom. Practical and easy to read, this needed work will benefit every student looking to improve his research and writing. I heartily recommend it!”
—Michael Riccardi, Assistant Professor of Theology, The Master’s Seminary; Pastor of Local Outreach Ministries, Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California

“Like Dr. Naselli, I’m a professor who teaches for free and gets paid to grade. And I’m always on the lookout for resources to help students with the writing process. Dr. Naselli has written an accessible guide for both students and teachers. It will aid students in research and writing, and it will bless teachers with better papers. Read it, and then get to writing.”
—Joe Rigney, Fellow of Theology and Director of Greyfriars Hall, New Saint Andrews College; Associate Pastor, Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho

“In a world so often confusing and needlessly complicated, full of ambiguity and conflicting authorities shouting each other down, it is a profound relief to have someone sit you down and explain in a kind, clear voice exactly what is expected and why. This book speaks to you as if you were a slightly panicked student grasping at straws, and it offers you a life-raft of sound, plain-spoken advice, with helpful tables and examples. Read it.”
—Carson Spratt, Rhetoric and Integrated Humanities Teacher, Logos Online School

“This short book presents clear, practical, step-by-step help for students writing research papers. Naselli is a seasoned writer, editor, and teacher, and here he offers wise counsel applicable to anyone who wants to write well.”
—Brian J. Tabb, President and Professor of Biblical Studies, Bethlehem College and Seminary; General Editor, Themelios

“Writing research papers does not come naturally to any of us. We need expert guidance, and Andy Naselli’s short work may be the best concise one-stop shop for students to get started. If used well, it should result in clearer writing, better thinking, and happier teachers.”
—Justin Taylor, Executive Vice President of Book Publishing and Book Publisher, Crossway; Managing Editor, The ESV Study Bible

“Unfortunately, in our current educational system and the age of social media, the skill of how to write a solid research paper is becoming a lost art. This is why I am thrilled to recommend Andy Naselli’s How to Write a Paper. Naselli covers the crucial points with helpful illustrations regarding how to write an excellent paper, which will greatly aid students and receive the thanks of many teachers. Simply a wonderful resource for students of all ages and educational backgrounds.”
—Stephen J. Wellum, Professor of Christian Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Editor, The Southern Baptist Journal of Theology; Pastor, Providence Baptist Church in Sellersburg, Indiana

“Andy Naselli has given students a gift: a guide that helps them steward their written words. Clear, practical, and accessible, this book trains students to write with patience and precision. Those who take its counsel seriously will not only write better papers—they will become better communicators.”
—Jonathon Woodyard, Vice President of Student Life and Assistant Professor of Historical Theology, Southwest Baptist University

Christ the King of Your Home: Dating, Marriage, and Parenting

by

God has been so gracious to Christ the King Church in Stillwater, Minnesota. We recently celebrated our first year with our first guest preacher: Dr. John Piper. Now it’s our joy to announce our first conference:

“Christ the King of Your Home: Dating, Marriage, and Parenting” (August 21–22, 2026).

Pastor Doug Wilson plans to give three keynote addresses followed by Q&A that I plan to moderate.

There are also pre-conference sessions for men and women, and on Friday evening we plan to host a Contra Dance and singles mixer.

Seating is limited for our venue in downtown Stillwater.

More info here: conference.ChristTheKing.build.

Teaching Students in Person at Bethlehem Theological Seminary

by

Wanted: A few good men to join us at Bethlehem Theological Seminary for in-person (off-line only) pastoral training for an MDiv.

Here’s the kind of seminary student I love to teach at Bethlehem Theological Seminary—and why in-person training is superior to online training (2:18 min.):

Here’s what the classroom is like for my seminary students—and why in-person training is superior to online training (4:26 min.):

Here’s what makes our seminary program rigorous—and why that’s so important (2:42 min.):

More info: bcsmn.edu/seminary.

A Little Book on How to Be a Manly Man: Advice for Young Men

by

In this little book, I give advice to young men:

Andrew David Naselli. Help! I Want to Be a Manly Man. LifeLine for Teens. Wapwallopen, PA: Shepherd, 2025.

Help! I Want to Be a Manly Man

A manly man contrasts with a harsh macho man or a soft girly man. In this little book, I show you how to be a manly man by unpacking four statements:

  1. A manly man is on a mission.
  2. A manly man is responsible.
  3. A manly man is hardworking.
  4. A manly man is strong.

Here are resources I recommend at the end of the book:

Update: I recorded what I thought was an audio podcast about the book, and it turned out to be a video. Whoops. I was walking on the treadmill in my cold Minnesota garage in December.

“Help! I Want to Be a Manly Man” (64 seconds):

Here’s an interview with Pastor John Dalrymple (recorded on April 28, 2026):

Coming in 2026: Exegetical Fallacies, 3rd edition

by

This book should release by August 2026:

Carson, D. A., and Andrew David Naselli. Exegetical Fallacies. 3rd ed. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2026.

Dr. Carson wrote the first two editions, which released in 1984 and 1996. Baker Academic plans to release the third edition thirty years after the second edition.

While Dr. Carson’s voice still predominates in the third edition, I have updated Exegetical Fallacies in three ways:

  1. I have removed some less relevant examples and added new ones, including some new fallacies. This third edition is about 30% longer than the second edition.
  2. Instead of using only labels as the headings for fallacies throughout the book, I have labeled each fallacy, and then I concisely define that fallacy. This makes the book a bit more user-friendly.
  3. I have lightly updated the style to make it as accessible as I could for non-experts. I have attempted to make it readable for beginning theology students as well as stimulating for those who are intermediate or more advanced.

Related: Tools to Study the Bible and Theology.

Tools to Study the Bible and Theology

by

Earlier this year my fellow pastors assigned to me the task of preparing a list of recommended resources for our church’s website. As I worked on this project, it snowballed into a little book—over 80 pages (over 30,000 words). My church has published it as a free e-book in PDF format:

Naselli, Andrew David. Tools to Study the Bible and Theology. Stillwater, MN: Christ the King Church, 2025.
  • I organize the tools into various categories, and I annotate them.
  • It may be a bit overwhelming to see such a long document of tools, so at the beginning of the document, I include a list of ten tools to prioritize.
  • I want to encourage my church to continually benefit from excellent tools that help them study the Bible and theology.
  • You may want to add some of the tools I recommend to your reading queue, and in the future you may want to search this document when you are looking for helpful tools on particular topics.

Take up and read!