The Eschatology of First Thessalonians

The first monograph to examine the eschatological discourse of First Thessalonians. It also represents the first analysis of fundamental representatives of that discourse which acknowledges the epistolary and rhetorical structure of the letter, and which understands the various eschatological motifs as part of a systematic exhortation to a community in conflict. Luckensmeyer employs eschatology as the best hermeneutical key to interpret the systematic concerns of the letter. There is no doubt that eschatological motifs abound (see 1:9-10, 2:13-16, 4:13-18 and 5:1-11, among others), but it remains to show how these motifs contribute to Paul's purposes for writing. This is what the author does. Paul is able both to rationalise why the Thessalonians are experiencing conflict and encourage them to a constructive new community identity. The monograph also contains an in-depth introduction to the secondary literature and includes an extensive bibliography and indices for the convenience of the reader.