This resource is also included in the New International Greek Testament Commentary Series (12 Volumes).
The letters of Paul to the newly founded Christian community at Thessalonica hold a special place within the Christian tradition as possibly the earliest extant Christian writings. They are also of special interest not only for their theological value but for their sociological context. Among the communities established by Paul, the church at Thessalonica appears to have been the only one to have suffered serious external oppression. These two important epistles, then, speak uniquely to contemporary Christians living in a society often ideologically, if not politically, opposed to Christian faith.
In this innovative commentary Charles A. Wanamaker incorporates what may he called a social science approach to the study of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, taking into full account the social context that gave rise to Paul's correspondence. While Wanamaker in no way ignores traditional historical-critical, linguistic, literary, and theological approaches to writing a commentary—in fact, at several points he makes a significant contribution to the questions raised by traditional exegesis—at the same time he goes beyond previous commentaries on the Thessalonian correspondence by taking seriously the social dimensions both of Christianity at Thessalonica and of the texts of 1 and 2 Thessalonians themselves. In blending traditional exegetical methods with this newer approach, Wanamaker seeks to understand Pauline Christianity at Thessalonica as a socio-religious movement in the first-century Greco-Roman world and attempts to grasp the social character and functions of Paul's letters within this context.
A significant and original addition to the literature on 1 and 2 Thessalonians, this commentary will be valuable to scholars, pastors, and students alike.
Additional Information
- Author: Charles A. Wanamaker
- 344 Pages
- Copyright 1990
Praise for the Print Edition
This volume should find a secure place on the shelves of Pauline scholars, particularly those concerned about all-too-neglected Thessalonian studies...Readers, whether ministerial or professional, will find their reading of 1 and 2 Thessalonians greatly enhanced.
—Journal of Biblical Literature
Unique in its approach...Wanamaker has written a commentary worthy of consideration. His ground-breaking methodology will be a topic of debate for some time to come.
—Interpretation
C. A. Wanamaker's valuable exegesis of the Greek text offers a breakthrough by incorporating insights from rhetorical criticism...Wanamaker offers a novel, if unconvincing, case for reading our 2 Thessalonians as Paul's first letter to the church; his exegesis is particularly valuable for those who can handle Greek.
—Biblical Studies Bulletin, Vol 15, Michael B. Thompson
About the Author
Charles A. Wanamaker is senior lecturer in the Department of Religious Studies and director of postgraduate studies at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. He received his doctorate in New Testament studies at the University of Durham under C. K. Barrett.
Benefits of the Logos Bible Software Edition
As the leading digital publisher of biblical resources, Logos Bible Software is the best choice for building a digital library that is comprehensive yet affordable, powerful yet easy to use. Whether you are a new Christian, seasoned pastor, or advanced scholar, Logos has thousands of high quality digital resources perfectly suited to meet your needs. All of our products can be used by themselves, but are greatly enhanced when added to one of our base packages. The Libronix Digital Library System dramatically enhances the value of any resource by enabling you to find what you are looking for with lightning speed and incredible precision. Your investment is safe when you choose Libronix. Your books and licenses are backed up on our server and are easily restorable.