The Eschatology of First Thessalonians
Series: Novum Testamentum et Orbis Antiquus / Studien zur Umwelt des Neuen Testaments (NTOA 71)
Publisher: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht
Published: 2009
Place of publication: Goettingen
Language: eng
Format: Hardback
ISBN-13: 9783525539699
Subjects: New Testament; Eschatology; First Thessalonians
First sentence: Paul, a self-acclaimed apostle, was at the forefront of early Christian mission, not only because he was among the first missionaries to non-Jews but because he continually pushed theological boundaries beyond traditional limits.
Description: This is the first monograph to examine the eschatology of First Thessalonians. It also represents a comprehensive analysis of eschatological passages (1:9-10, 2:13-16, 4:13-18, 5:1-11). The various eschatological motifs are understood as part of a systematic exhortation to a community in conflict. Eschatology is used as the best hermeneutical key to interpret the main concerns of the letter. After a careful examination of the epistolary and rhetorical structure of the letter, the author demonstrates how the eschatological motifs contribute to Paul's purposes for writing. The book also contains an in-depth introduction to the secondary literature and includes an extensive bibliography and detailed indices.

About the author: Dr David Luckensmeyer, BSc, BA Hons., PhD (University of Queensland), was appointed in 2006 as a Research Associate at the Centre for Early Christian Studies, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Australia. He is also a sessional lecturer in the School of Theology, Australian Catholic University.