From Hope to Despair in Thessalonica
From Hope to Despair in Thessalonica
This ground breaking analysis cuts to the heart of the critical debate surrounding the two Thessalonian Epistles. Colin R. Nicholl examines the situations giving rise to each Letter with a view to determining how the two relate historically. His book presents an original and compelling hypothesis, arguing that reflected in the Letters are two stages of a single crisis plaguing a recently formed Greek Church, which spiralled from hope into despair on account of confusion about 'the end'. In addition to making a fresh case for the authenticity of 2 Thessalonians and resolving one of the most difficult problems in the Bible - the identity of 'the Restrainer' - this monograph is a comprehensive analysis of the Thessalonian Epistles. It will provide an indispensable resource for scholars and pastors interested in the Thessalonian correspondence.
- Groundbreaking new explanation of the situations underlying 1 and 2 Thessalonians
- Timely, in view of current popular preoccupations with eschatology
- Significantly advances scholarly discussion as to whether the Apostle Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians
Reviews & endorsements
Review of the hardback: 'All Thessalonians scholars will need to engage with the arguments of this contribution to the study of the letters.' Journal for the Study of the New Testament
Review of the hardback: '… an attractive argument that has much warrant and presents a clear challenge to claims of pseudonymity for 2 Thessalonians. It will be of most value to scholars of the Thessalonian correspondence and those interested in Paul's eschatology.' Religious Studies Review
Product details
September 2008Paperback
9780521073073
336 pages
216 × 140 × 19 mm
0.43kg
Available
Table of Contents
- Preface
- Abbreviations
- Part I:
- 1. Introduction
- Part II:
- 2. Grieving without hope
- 3. Anxious and fearful
- 4. In need of reassurance
- Part III:
- 5. Shaken and terrified
- 6. Perseverance under threat
- 7. Explaining the problem of 'idleness' and the conclusion: the situation underlying 2 Thess. 3:6–15 and 3:16–18
- Part IV:
- 8. Synthesis and conclusion
- Appendix: Michael, the restrainer removed (2 Thess. 2:6–7)
- Bibliography.
