First and Second Thessalonians (Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching | INT)
Overview
The two epistles to the Thessalonians are a study in contrasts. A comparison reveals considerable similarities of structure and language, but differences in tone and content. The most important concerns of the first letter all but disappear in the second, and minor concerns of the first letter increase in intensity in the second. Even when issues and concerns are shared by both, 2 Thessalonians seems at odds with comments in 1 Thessalonians. In this brilliant commentary, Beverly Roberts Gaventa discusses the issues central to each epistle, identifying what makes each book important for the life of the church today, as well as for preachers and teacher.
- Detailed introduction
- Bibliography
Top Highlights
“Paul wrote the letter we know as 1 Thessalonians around 51 c.e., which makes it the earliest Christian writing and, indeed, the earliest evidence we possess for the existence of Christianity.” (Page 1)
“The agenda of the letter, roughly speaking, is now set: the proclamation of the gospel and the Thessalonians’ response to that proclamation (1:2–2:16), the continuing concern of Paul and his colleagues for the Thessalonians’ response (2:17–3:13), the behavior appropriate to this gospel (4:1–12; 5:12–24), and the promise of Jesus’ return and its consequences in the present (4:13–5:11).” (Page 15)
“People observe that the deceased has gone to a better place, or take solace from the fact that she no longer suffers, or speak about him looking down on us from heaven. In other words, people in desperate pain will seek and grasp for comfort wherever they can find it, in an effort to manage the pain of loss. Paul takes a strikingly different strategy. He places the story of those who have died within the context of what God is doing in the world. Their story has meaning as part of God’s story.” (Pages 67–68)
“At this point in the letter it has become clear that faith, love, and hope are not randomly chosen Christian virtues, and, still less, mere emotions. Faith is confidence in the gospel itself, the confidence that leads these Gentiles to turn to serving God (1:9–10). Love embodies that faith in concrete actions both within the Christian community and beyond it. Hope, as we have seen throughout the letter, is the firm expectation of the return of Jesus Christ.” (Page 72)
The Interpretation series from Westminster John Knox Press is clearly established as a rich source for teaching and preaching. They have tapped the talents of a varied and esteemed group of contributors, resulting in what is clearly the essential comprehensive commentary series on the Bible.
—W. Eugene March, A.B. Rhodes Professor of Old Testament Emeritus at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
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—Brian K. Blount, President and Professor of New Testament at Union Theological Seminary
- Title: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching First and Second Thessalonians
- Author: Beverly Roberts Gaventa
- Publisher: John Knox Press
- Publication Date: 1998
- Pages: 138