1 and 2 Thessalonians (Zondervan Critical Introductions to the New Testament | ZCINT)
Overview
The study of Paul’s Thessalonian letters is enjoying fresh interest today. These texts are considered by many to be amongst the earliest extant Christian documents. They are included in conversations about early Jewish and Christian apocalypticism. New insights are coming from examination of the religious, socio-cultural, and political contexts of Roman Thessalonica. And, looking back, these letters have played an important role in the development of Christian eschatology. This volumes serves as an up-to-date guide to these academic discussions and debates and much more.
This volume on 1 and 2 Thessalonians in the Zondervan Critical Introductions to the New Testament series offers a volume-length engagement with subjects that normally only receive short treatments in biblical commentaries or in New Testament Introductions. This volume addresses:
- Authorship
- Date
- Audience
- Socio-Historical Context
- Genre
- Purpose
- Integrity
- Textual History
- Greek Style
- Structure
- Argument
- Other Critical Issues
- Main Interpretive Issues
- Reception into the Canon
- Selected History of Interpretation
- Bibliography
- Discusses the Greek text and all the relevant text-critical issues
- Surveys the background, themes, and interpretive history of 1 and 2 Thessalonians
- Addresses background information including genre, structure, and socio-historical context
1 Thessalonians
- Text of 1 Thessalonians
- Background and Situation of 1 Thessalonians
- Themes and Interpretation of 1 Thessalonians
- History of Interpretation of 1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
- Text of 2 Thessalonians
- Background, Situation, and Date of 2 Thessalonians
- Themes and Interpretation of 2 Thessalonians
- History of Interpretation of 2 Thessalonians
Top Highlights
“Given these options, most interpreters prefer option (3” (Page 237)
“unclear how this judgment-day concept developed, but one theory” (Page 240)
“One well-attested reading here has παρέλαβον (אc Dc K L P et al.). The reading παρελάβοσαν is also strong (א* A 33 88 1827 et al.). The difference is one of dialectic preference.” (Page 184)
“A third notable concern that Paul raises relates to the timing of the coming of the Lord (5:1–11). Paul is unwilling to say more than that it will be unexpected (5:2–3).” (Page 62)
“So God is known as the God of vengeance (1:8; cf. NRSV), not because he is naturally wrathful and belligerent but because justice must prevail.” (Page 235)
This welcome study breaks new ground in coverage of scholarly study of Paul’s Thessalonian letters. Going beyond what either New Testament introductions or Thessalonian commentaries typically provide, Gupta surveys the discussion on text, authorship, background, and situation of both epistles. He also devotes whole chapters to the themes of each letter and how key passages are understood. On top of that, there are chapters on the history of interpretation of each letter going all the way back to patristic writers, including nonacademic appropriation, as in hymns. The result is a must-read for scholars and advanced students seeking a thorough description and assessment of Thessalonian studies. Gupta’s own conclusions are well-informed, judicious, and clear. This is a truly fresh take on a wide expanse of top scholarship.
—Robert W. Yarbrough, professor of New Testament, Covenant Theological Seminary
Nijay Gupta’s volume on 1 and 2 Thessalonians in the new and much-anticipated Zondervan Critical Introductions to the New Testament series is certain to become the standard critical introduction to Paul’s Thessalonian correspondence. Here we have critical yet faithful scholarship at its finest! Gupta includes a discussion of the Greek text and all the significant text-critical issues. To that he adds an in-depth treatment of the background and historical situation of both letters. He continues with a prodigious and insightful investigation of the letter’s theological themes, major interpretive issues, and history of interpretation. To top it off, Gupta provides an even-handed interaction with the best and most recent New Testament scholarship on the letters. No serious scholarship related to Paul’s Thessalonian correspondence can afford to neglect Gupta’s marvelous contribution. Indeed, this should be the first resource consulted.
—J. Scott Duvall, Fuller Professor of New Testament and chair, department of biblical studies, Ouachita Baptist University
Having written a fine commentary on the Thessalonian correspondence, Nijay Gupta now deftly reviews the main critical and theological issues in the analysis of those letters, including the major interpreters for the principal issues. Gupta’s engaging prose makes the details of scholarly debate and the history of interpretation anything but dull. Moreover, we are also treated to the author’s wise take on these various matters. All scholars and serious students of 1 and 2 Thessalonians are greatly in Gupta’s debt.
—Michael J. Gorman, Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology, St. Mary’s Seminary & University
- Title: 1 and 2 Thessalonians
- Author: Nijay K. Gupta
- Editor: Michael F. Bird
- Series: Zondervan Critical Introductions to the New Testament (ZCINT)
- Publisher: Zondervan
- Publication Date: 2019
- Pages: 320
- Resource Type: Introduction
- Topic: 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians