1 and 2 Thessalonians, Volume 45 - (Word Biblical Commentary) 2nd Edition by Seyoon Kim & F F Bruce (Hardcover)

About the Book

Volumes in the Word Biblical Commentary series provide a comprehensive treatment of the biblical text and balanced insight into the meanings of the text within the framework of biblical theology.

Book Synopsis

Over 2 million copies sold in The Word Biblical Commentary series.

This commentary series delivers the best in biblical scholarship from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation.

It emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence, resulting in judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.

Overview of Commentary Organization:

• Introduction--covers issues pertaining to the whole book, including context, date, authorship, composition, interpretive issues, purpose, and theology.
• Pericope Bibliography--a helpful resource containing the most important works that pertain to each particular pericope.
• Translation--the author's own translation of the biblical text, reflecting the end result of exegesis and attending to Hebrew and Greek idiomatic usage of words, phrases, and tenses, yet in reasonably good English.
• Notes--the author's notes to the translation that address any textual variants, grammatical forms, syntactical constructions, basic meanings of words, and problems of translation.
• Form/Structure/Setting--a discussion of redaction, genre, sources, and tradition as they concern the origin of the pericope, its canonical form, and its relation to the biblical and extra-biblical contexts in order to illuminate the structure and character of the pericope. Rhetorical or compositional features important to understanding the passage are also introduced here.
• Comment--verse-by-verse interpretation of the text and dialogue with other interpreters, engaging with current opinion and scholarly research.
• Explanation--brings together all the results of the discussion in previous sections to expose the meaning and intention of the text at several levels: (1) within the context of the book itself; (2) its meaning in the OT or NT; (3) its place in the entire canon; (4) theological relevance to broader OT or NT issues.
• General Bibliography--occurring at the end of each volume, this extensive bibliography contains all sources used anywhere in the commentary.

Review Quotes

'Arriving at Manchester, one of the first things I noticed in my office was Seyoon Kim's justly famous PhD thesis, in a shelf of research by F. F. Bruce's students. Kim has now greatly honored his former supervisor with a wonderful commentary, incorporating Bruce's textual notes but essentially a new work. Kim's commentary faithfully and effectively inherits both Bruce's concern for well contextualized and judicious interpretation and Bruce's skill in producing writing that will be very fruitful in the life of today's churches.'-- Peter Oakes, Rylands Professor of Biblical Criticism and Exegesis, University of Manchester

'Carefully researched, carefully lays out the issues, and offers meaningful insight and explanation. This commentary will provide significant help to both pastors and scholars.'-- Klyne R. Snodgrass, professor emeritus of New Testament, North Park Theological Seminary

'In this updated volume on the Thessalonian letters, Seyoon Kim tackles the challenging feat of revising the work of his mentor, F. F. Bruce. While surely standing on the shoulders of Bruce, Kim deserves commendation for offering a thorough exegesis of these two important, and sometimes overlooked, Pauline letters. At three and a half times the length of Bruce's original work, Kim handles the textual, linguistic, historical, social, and theological factors with precision, thoroughness, and care. His interaction with secondary sources shows keen discernment, gracefully offering constructive criticism where appropriate. Especially helpful is Kim's discussion of justification, a doctrine that is often overlooked or even assumed absent in these letters. This volume will surely be an essential reference for anyone studying the Thessalonian correspondence.'-- Jeanette Hagen Pifer, affiliate professor of New Testament, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University

'Mature Pauline scholar Seyoon Kim would make his mentor, F. F. Bruce, proud in this revision of Bruce's commentary. It displays the independent, incisive engagement with the biblical text and with scholarship that we have come to expect from him.'-- Craig S. Keener, professor of biblical studies, Asbury Theological Seminary

'Prof. Seyoon Kim has not only provided an update to F. F. Bruce's original commentary but has deployed his keen exegetical skills and senses to some of the most difficult passages in the Pauline corpus. Kim's commentary on 1-2 Thessalonians is an erudite exposition that captures Paul's future expectations and exhortations to the believers in Thessalonica. A tremendous achievement in the study of these short, but immensely important letters.'-- Michael F. Bird, academic dean, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia

'Seyoon Kim has produced a superb commentary, exhibiting detailed historical research, rich theological exegesis, and thorough interaction with the secondary literature. Together with a volume of supplementary essays, this brilliant work represents the crowning achievement of a lifetime of careful study of the Pauline texts. It will become the standard by which all commentaries on the Thessalonian letters will be measured for many years to come.'-- Donald A. Hagner, George Eldon Ladd Emeritus Professor of New Testament, Fuller Theological Seminary

'Seyoon Kim's commentary is a stunning, magisterial achievement! It will define historical critical studies on Paul's Thessalonian letters and their connection to his overall theology for a new generation of scholars. It is more than a welcome update to F. F. Bruce's prior work but offers fresh exegetical analyses on major themes in the Thessalonian correspondence, including justification through faith, realized vs. future eschatology, the Jesus tradition in Paul's gospel, and Paul's critique of idolatry and their idolatrous systems, to name just a few. Kim brings the reader up to speed with current debates on Paul, particularly whether or not his gospel is counter-imperial, or if there is any theological development between his early and latter letters. He constructs a new historical setting (or a new Sitz im Leben) for 1 Thessalonians centering on the role of Paul's 'entry' into the city and offers a new interpretation for the 'restraining thing' and the 'restraining person' for 2 Thessalonians. Rich in insight, theologically provocative, and adeptly argued, Kim's commentary is a masterpiece. Bravo!'-- Max J. Lee, The Paul W. Brandel Professor of Biblical Studies, North Park Theological Seminary

'Seyoon Kim's 1 and 2 Thessalonians is one of the best commentaries on these letters now available. This lengthy and detailed exposition is especially strong in alerting readers to some of the latest academic treatments of various issues in the letters and in its rich exploration of the interface between these letters and Paul's wider theology.'-- Douglas J. Moo, professor of New Testament emeritus, Wheaton College

'Thoughtful, detailed, richly engaged with contemporary discussion and debate, Seyoon Kim has produced a welcome contribution to the understanding of the Thessalonian correspondence, from which many will benefit.'-- Mark A. Seifrid, senior professor of New Testament, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis