1 and 2 Thessalonians: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary

Paul's two letters to the Thessalonians stand as some of the very earliest Christian documents, yet they appear well into Paul's missionary career, giving them a unique context well worth exploring. In this first full-scale socio-rhetorical commentary on 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Ben Witherington gleans fresh insight from reading Paul's text in the light of rhetorical concerns and patterns, early Jewish theology, and the first-century historical situation in Macedonia.

Witherington's distinctive socio-rhetorical approach helps unearth insights that would otherwise remain hidden using only form criticism, epistolary categories, and traditional criticism. Witherington details Thessalonica's place as the "metropolis" of Macedonia, and he carefully unpacks the social situation of Paul and his recipients. Scholars will appreciate the careful analysis and rhetorical insights contained here, while Witherington's clear prose and sensitivity to Paul's ideas make this work ideal for all who desire a useful, readable commentary on 1 and 2 Thessalonians.

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1 & 2 Thessalonians stand as some of the very earliest Christian documents, and yet they appear quite late in Paul's missionary career, giving them a unique context well worth exploring. In this first full-scale socio-rhetorical commentary on 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Ben Witherington gleans fresh insight from reading Paul's text in the light of rhetorical concerns and patterns, early Jewish theology and the first-century historical situation in Macedonia. As with any socio-rhetorical commentary, the unique approach helps readers to unearth insights that would otherwise remain hidden using only form criticism, epistolary categories and traditional criticism. Witherington's work also features a new, clear translation of the Greek text and a thorough bibliography that pays special attention to socio-rhetorical concerns. Additionally, he details Thessalonica's place as the Metropolis of Macedonia, and carefully unpacks the social situation of Paul and his recipients. Scholars will cherish the careful analysis and rhetorical insights, while Witherington's clear prose and sensitivity to Paul's ideas makes 1 & 2 Thessalonians ideal for all who desire a useful, readable commentary on this important early manuscript.