1 and 2 Thessalonians

Reviews

Having written a fine commentary on the Thessalonian correspondence, Nijay Gupta now deftly reviews the main critical and theological issues in the analysis of those letters, including the major interpreters for the principal issues. Gupta’s engaging prose makes the details of scholarly debate and the history of interpretation anything but dull. Moreover, we are also treated to the author’s wise take on these various matters. All scholars and serious students of 1 and 2 Thessalonians are greatly in Gupta’s debt.

Here in one volume is everything we need to know to help us to read these two lively letters of Paul with greater depth and understanding. Written with great clarity and an impressively thorough grasp of scholarship on these letters, Gupta provides us with in-depth discussions of matters such as the background, theology, major exegetical and interpretive issues, and the history of interpretation for 1 and 2 Thessalonians. The new series of Zondervan Critical Introductions, launched by this excellent volume by Gupta, is to be warmly welcomed as broad-ranging volumes that will greatly help us to read Scripture carefully, and with richer insight.

In this balanced introduction, Nijay Gupta presents an up-to- date survey of all the major issues pertaining to the Pauline letters to Thessalonian Jesus-followers. Gupta is well versed in scholarly conversations and explores issues expertly and clearly. This is a welcome addition to the best of scholarship on these important texts.

Matthew 13:52 likens a Jesus-following scribe to a house owner who brings out of his storeroom treasures new and old. In his critical introduction to 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Nijay K. Gupta collects and considers afresh a significant swath of scholarship, both ancient and modern, on these Pauline letters. More than a collation of, an introduction to, or even an examination of academic work on 1 and 2 Thessalonians from multiple angles regarding sundry matters over the sweep of interpretative history, this volume adds appreciably to the serious scholarly study of these early pastoral letters through independent investigation and cogent argumentation. As I continue to explore 1 and 2 Thessalonians in conversation with other interpreters, I will have Gupta’s critical introduction nearby as a rich bibliographic resource and as an insightful guide through the nettle of the fertile field that is Thessalonian scholarship.

Nijay Gupta has given students of the New Testament an invaluable resource. His volume on the Thessalonian correspondence in the Zondervan Critical Introductions to the New Testament series is more robust than a typical commentary. Gupta interacts with influential scholars whose works span many years, including those in German and French. He also covers the history of interpretation of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. In addition to giving detailed discussion of key themes, Gupta treats important exegetical issues as well. I will frequently grab this book off the shelf to assist me in my studies. The Zondervan Critical Introductions to the New Testament series will become the consistent, dependable reference for every New Testament student.

Nijay Gupta’s introduction to the Thessalonian letters is critical in the best sense of that word: he skillfully asks and answers penetrating questions without falling prey to the critical scholar’s ever-tempting intellectual vice of skepticism. Instead, with balanced, level-headed argumentation and prose Gupta explores both standard and fresh questions, thus wisely guiding students of 1 and 2 Thessalonians to be better readers. His labors have bequeathed a great gift to future commentators on Paul’s early epistles. This volume shows great promise for the Zondervan Critical Introductions to the New Testament series.

Nijay Gupta’s volume on 1 and 2 Thessalonians in the new and much-anticipated Zondervan Critical Introductions to the New Testament series is certain to become the standard critical introduction to Paul’s Thessalonian correspondence. Here we have critical yet faithful scholarship at its finest! Gupta includes a discussion of the Greek text and all the significant text-critical issues. To that he adds an in-depth treatment of the background and historical situation of both letters. He continues with a prodigious and insightful investigation of the letter’s theological themes, major interpretive issues, and history of interpretation. To top it off, Gupta provides an even-handed interaction with the best and most recent New Testament scholarship on the letters. No serious scholarship related to Paul’s Thessalonian correspondence can afford to neglect Gupta’s marvelous contribution. Indeed, this should be the first resource consulted.

The new and promising series, the Zondervan Critical Introductions to the New Testament, boldly addresses the frequently ignored yet paramount introductory issues (authorship, date, text, etc.) and redirects the readers, whether scholars, students, or pastors, to a fresh and improved understanding of the New Testament. The maiden voyage for the series comes from Nijay Gupta, who provides succinct analysis in articulate prose of each issue in 1 and 2 Thessalonians. The readers will only benefit from the vast research and careful deliberation Gupta provides throughout the volume.

This welcome study breaks new ground in coverage of scholarly study of Paul’s Thessalonian letters. Going beyond what either New Testament introductions or Thessalonian commentaries typically provide, Gupta surveys the discussion on text, authorship, background, and situation of both epistles. He also devotes whole chapters to the themes of each letter and how key passages are understood. On top of that, there are chapters on the history of interpretation of each letter going all the way back to patristic writers, including nonacademic appropriation, as in hymns. The result is a must-read for scholars and advanced students seeking a thorough description and assessment of Thessalonian studies. Gupta’s own conclusions are well-informed, judicious, and clear. This is a truly fresh take on a wide expanse of top scholarship.