1-2 Thessalonians

A new and theologically attentive exegesis of St Paul’s Letters to the Thessalonians, emphasising Paul’s theme of hope in the Messiah.

In the first century, the Thessalonian church grieved deaths in their community, endured harsh persecution, and struggled with questions about the future. Paul offered them the comforts and reassurances of hope in the Messiah, but he offered far more than mere wishful thinking or ‘pie in the sky’ comfort. Paul’s emphasis on hope in Jesus involved capturing a vision of God’s redeemed and just future in order to see and live faithfully today. Paul did not believe in a passive hope but an active hope, to which, if the Day of the Messiah is a beacon, believers diligently move having set their course. That diligence is especially captured by love for Christian brothers and sisters, commitment to honest and productive work, and obedience to the truth of the gospel of Jesus.

• By (author) Nijay K Gupta

"In conversation with the best interpreters of the Thessalonian letters across the centuries, Nijay Gupta offers us a rich feast of insights into these very early Christian Scriptures. Simultaneously accessible and perceptive, attentive to historical context as well as contemporary theological and spiritual concerns, this is a commentary for students, pastors, and all readers of Paul."Michael J. Gorman, Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology, St. Mary's Seminary & University"Nijay Gupta's commentary on 1 & 2 Thessalonians demonstrates reliable, even-handed scholarship, theological and pastoral sensitivity, and a masterful ability to lay out the letters' substance and basic flow of thought in an engaging style that is a pleasure to read. Highly recommended!"Andy Johnson, Professor of New Testament, Nazarene Theological Seminary"Here is a commentary that does not miss the mark. It is exegetically sound, theologically astute, and ecclesially centered. I read few commentaries cover to cover, but Gupta's I did.It is well worth the time and investment, for he carefully weighs the interpretive options and arrives at well-reasoned and well-supported readings."David B. Capes, Academic Dean and Professor of New Testament, Houston Graduate School of Theology"Herein, you will nd incisive, insightful commentary on the Apostle Paul's earliest extant letters. I warmly commend this comparatively (and refreshingly!) compact treatment of the Thessalonian correspondence, not least the exegetical skill, theological engagement, and pastoral concern manifestly evident throughout."Todd D. Still, DeLancey Dean and Hinson Professor, Baylor University, Truett Seminary"The verse-by-verse comments are what one would expect from a commentary of this style and level of detail. .... Gupta has produced a study of the English text that is readdble and sure-footed. This commentary is excellent at providing an overview of both letters, in a manner that is both accessible while still introducing key interpretative issues. This commentary would be of great value to study-groups or to those wishing to gain a deeper knowledge of these two Pauline writings." Paul Foster, The Expository Times, Volume 129, Number 7, April 2018'This short commentary on 1-2 Thessalonians is an excellent resource for those in Christian ministry, NT students and serious Christian readers.'Gary W. Burnett, Journal for the Study of the New Testament, Volume 40.5, August 2018
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