1 and 2 Thessalonians

This is a phrase-by-phrase commentary and exposition of the New Testament books of 1 & 2 Thessalonians. This commentary is in use as a college textbook, yet is suitable for the lay church member. 1 & 2 Thessalonians were written by Paul, Silas & Timothy to a new church whose members were still learning what it means to live out their newfound faith. While working in Thessalonica, the missionaries had spent much time encouraging and instructing the recent converts in the basics of the faith (1 Thessalonians 2:8-12). Since both epistles appear to have been penned within the 2-year span immediately after leaving Thessalonica, it is not surprising to find the three writers continuing their efforts to strengthen the beliefs and practices of the new Christians. In the face of criticism from enemies of the gospel, the letters staunchly defend the gospel message and messengers, and encourage the believers to remain faithful in the face of the warned-about opposition. For those Christians who had developed mistaken ideas about what happens to those who die prior to Christ's second coming, the letters paint a vivid picture of the events preceding Jesus' return, and of the events that will happen as He returns. And because there were certain areas of Christian living where many of the Thessalonians were missing the mark, the epistles offer direct and clear instruction as to how Christians are to live in the present. Being the first of the letters signed by Paul which have been preserved, 1 & 2 Thessalonians give us an important window of insight on the gospel Paul preached from the beginning of his apostolic work - including his understanding about the deity and Lordship of Jesus, the expected timing of Christ's return, and about how faith about the future works itself out in present-day living. This commentary is conservative evangelical Christian in its outlook, yet skillfully examines the Scriptures from multiple theological viewpoints. Introductory Studies cover authorship and attestation, the place and date of writing, the original purpose for writing, an overview of several topics discussed by contemporary commentators and Biblical critics, and an extended review of Paul's eschatology, including his views regarding the timing of the Lord's second coming. Of note, four Special Studies address topics unique to 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 and which inextricably color the interpretation of that thorny chapter:The Day of the Lord The Apostasia The Man of Lawlessness The Restrainer Since this commentary presumes the God-inspired nature of all Biblical writing, the author seeks to harmonize the teachings of 1 & 2 Thessalonians with other relevant Scriptures, and also helpfully examines the original language in which the epistles were written. A fully annotated bibliography of other commentaries on 1 & 2 Thessalonians is included to encourage readers to extend their own studies. This commentary continues the author's series on the books of the New Testament, and is written from the unique standpoint of the Restoration Movement, a position which allows him to approach Scripture with no special theological doctrine or dogma to defend and explicate. This approach provides an unhindered freedom to listen to what the Holy Spirit would tell us within the pages of the sacred Scriptures. By deliberately employing the time-honored grammatico-historical method of interpretation, the Word of God is allowed to impress upon our minds the intent the Divine Author had in mind. The author is Professor Emeritus of the New Testament at Central Christian College of the Bible (Moberly, MO).

Dr. Gareth L. Reese had a 65-year career as a professor of New Testament at Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, MO. Whether teaching courses, or preaching, or offering seminars in the U.S. and abroad, he has long been known for his ability to make the Word of God come alive for his listeners and readers.The commentaries in this set capture the thousands of hours Dr. Reese has spent studying, examining, and wrestling with what God has written in the scriptures, as he has sought to understand and harmonize the wondrous way of salvation that God has revealed to us. Dr. Reese's practice has long been to read one new commentary each time he teaches a course, and this extensive and broad and diligent study is clearly evident in his writings. His Acts commentary, originally published in 1966, quickly became the standard course textbook in the Bible colleges associated with the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, and remained so for four decades. His works have been translated into multiple languages.An advocate for the Restoration Movement, Dr. Reese is a conservative evangelical scholar. His writings display a deep and profound respect for the Word of God; for the inspired authors through whom this Word was given; for the Church, the Body of Christ, that continues to be built up as a spiritual house by that Word; and, most of all, for the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, Who is exalted and glorified and honored as we come to Him according to His Word.Dr. Reese is a 1954 graduate of the Cincinnati Bible Seminary (later, Cincinnati Christian University), and holds multiple post graduate degrees.