The First and Second Letters to the Thessalonians

This recent contribution to the New International Commentary on the New Testament series by Gordon D. Fee, who also serves as the general editor of the series, provides students of the Thessalonian correspondence with another serious exegetical study of these letters. This is Fee’s third volume in the series (1 Corinthians and Philippians), and this recent effort fits well within the series’ stated purpose: “to provide earnest students of the New Testament with an exposition that is thorough and abreast of modern scholarship and at the same time loyal to the Scriptures as the infallible Word of God.” Those who open the pages of this commentary will find concise introductions to each of the letters followed by careful exegesis of the verses. In turn, each section of the Pauline text is introduced with general interpretive remarks, which are followed in turn by a translation of the text and an exposition of the exegetical issues verse by verse. The exegesis is informed by a wide range of secondary literature, and each section normally concludes with brief comments concerning contemporary implications of the text. Throughout, the commentary interfaces with the TNIV English version but also compares most other major English translations. Greek clearly informs the exegesis, but the reader unfamiliar with the original language is not prevented from making good use of this commentary. Those looking for a bold, overarching thesis regarding the Thessalonian correspondence will not find it here. [Full Review]

Another excellent commentary from Gordon Fee, thorough without being long-winded, primarily exegetical, but with helpful bits of theological reflection thrown in. Lots of attention given to the high christology found in these early letters. [Full Review]