The two epistles to the Thessalonians are a study in contrasts. A comparison reveals considerable similarities of structure and language, but differences in tone and content. The most important concerns of the first letter all but disappear in the second, and minor concerns of the first letter increase in intensity in the second. Even when issues and concerns are shared by both, 2 Thessalonians seems at odds with comments in 1 Thessalonians. In this commentary, Beverly Roberts Gaventa discusses the issues central to each epistle, identifying what makes each book important for the life of the church today, as well as for preachers and teachers.
Interpretation is a set of full-length, practical, and clearly written commentaries that help teachers and preachers in their educational and homiletic work -- and laypersons in their study of the Bible. Interpretation bridges the gap between critical and expository commentaries and combines the most exciting biblical scholarship with illuminating textual expositions.
