The New Testament
A Historical and Theological Introduction
Chapter
26. First and Second Thessalonians
Questions for Review
- With respect to the chronology provided by Acts, when were these two letters penned and where was Paul at the time?
- Discuss how the founding of the church in Thessalonica in Acts can be used to help us understand 1 and 2 Thessalonians.
- From what we can see in 1 Thessalonians, what matter seems to have been troubling the Thessalonians the most with regard to the imminent return of Christ?
- What appears to be the impetus for the writing of 2 Thessalonians?
- What does Paul have to say about idleness in 2 Thessalonians?
- Why do some scholars believe that 2 Thessalonians was actually written prior to 1 Thessalonians?
- What is meant by Donfried鈥檚 designation of 1 Thessalonians as a 鈥溾榩aracletic鈥 letter鈥?
- How does Paul respond to the problem of believers who have died prior to the parousia?
- According to the chapter, why is 1 Thessalonians 4:17 not a good proof-text for the theological tenet of the 鈥渞apture鈥?
- Briefly discuss how 鈥渢he man of lawlessness鈥 is described in 1 Thessalonians.