The Thessalonian correspondence represents the earliest writing in the New Testament, according to many scholars. It speaks to a group of Christians struggling with thorny questions, such as: How should we live in the shadow of the coming parousia? What are our obligations to one another as followers of Jesus? How do we learn to trust the truth of the gospel? For Paul, this earliest correspondence was a test of his apostolic authority and also a means to express his genuine warmth and affection for the Christian community at Thessalonica. In spite of their relative brevity, the letters to the Thessalonians wrestle with ideas and obligations that remain relevant today.

The volumes in the Belief series offer a fresh and invigorating approach to all the books of the Bible. Building on a wide range of sources from biblical studies and the Christian tradition, renowned scholars focus less on traditional historical and literary angles in favor of a theologically focused commentary that considers the contemporary relevance of the text. Why then and why now are overarching questions asked throughout the volumes in the series.

About the Author
Molly T. Marshall is a theologian who has authored more than twenty books and articles, including Joining the Dance: A Theology of the Spirit. She taught for eleven years at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, before joining the faculty at Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Kansas, where she served for twenty-five years, the last sixteen as President. She is currently President of United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities.

Reviews

Praise for the Series

"As one who preaches regularly and teaches both clergy and laity, I find the Belief series to be just the kind of resource I depend on for my own preparation and to recommend to adults who wish to move carefully through a book of the Bible. The approach is scholarly rich, theologically nuanced, and accessible to the thoughtful reader." -Patricia J. Lull, Bishop of the Saint Paul Area Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America

"For the preacher who seeks to do justice not only to biblical texts in all their complexity but also to the richness of historical and contemporary theology, the Belief series offers a vital new tool." -Maxwell Grant, Senior Minister, Second Congregational church of Greenwich, United Church of Christ

"Again and again, the careful scholarship and liveliness of the witness of each author have brought not only theological insights but also new frameworks for preaching and looking at my own life of faith. This is an excellent series, the best one I have found for parish ministry." -Kelly Nelson, Pastor, Christ Lutheran Church, Crawfordsville, Indiana

"I highly recommend the Belief series! The authors are widely respected theologians who aid pastors and teachers by bringing the biblical text into creative theological conversation with contemporary concerns." -Roy Howard, Pastor, Saint Mark Presbyterian Church, North Bethesda, Maryland

Book Information
ISBN 9780664232603
Author Molly T. Marshall
Format Hardback
Page Count 205
Imprint Westminster/John Knox Press,U.S.
Publisher Westminster/John Knox Press,U.S.