1-2 Thessalonians

Nijay K. Gupta is Assistant Professor of New Testament at George Fox Evangelical Seminary, Portland, Oregon. His recent books include a commentary on Colossians and Prepare, Succeed, Advance: Getting a PhD in Biblical Studies and Beyond (The Lutterworth Press, 2017).

• PrefaceAbbreviations ListIntroductionExcursus: Was the Church of the Thessalonians a Male-Only Guild?Excursus: Gentile Believers Incorporated into Israel's Story through JesusExcursus: Hypothesizing a Clandestine AttackThanksgiving for the Thessalonians (1 Thess 1:1-10)Fusing the Horizons: Blood-Blind in the New Covenant CommunityFusing the Horizons: MetamorphosisPaul's Blameless Ministry (1 Thess 2:1-12)Excursus: Gentle or Infants? (2:7b)Fusing the Horizons: Integrity and Transparency in New Covenant LeadershipPraiseworthy Endurance Amidst Persecution (1 Thess 2:13-16)Excursus: Could Paul Have Written 1 Thess 2:14-16?Fusing the Horizons: A Hospitable Community for All PeoplePaul's Love, Pride, and Concern (1 Thess 2:17-3:13)Fusing the Horizons: Life TogetherExhortation to Persevere and Grow in Holiness, Love, and Integrity (1 Thess 4:10-12)Excursus: Sexual Immorality in the Greco-Roman WorldExcursus: 'Sibling Love' (philadelphia)Fusing the Horizons: A New Covenant Community of LoveExcursus: Work and QuietnessFusing the Horizons: Living Quiet Lives in a Noisy WorldThe Hopeful Fate of the Christian Dead (1 Thess 4:13-18)Fusing the Horizons: The New Covenant People of HopeThe Day of the Lord: Preparedness and Perseverance, Not Prediction (1 Thess 5:1-11)Excursus: Whose Peace and Security?Fusing the Horizons: War and Peace: The New Covenant Community in ActionFinal Instruction (1 Thess 5:12-28)Fusing the Horizons: The New Covenant Community, A People of PrayerThanksgiving and Hope (2 Thess 1:1-12)Excursus: Eternal Destruction (2 Thess 1:9)?Fusing the Horizons: Can Suffering for the Kingdom Be a Blessing?Perseverance and Hope (2 Thess 2:1-17)Fusing the Horizons: Living beyond FearMission and Community (2 Thess 3:1-18)Fusing the Horizons: Leadership and WorkBibliographySubject IndexScripture Index

"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