A distinctively theological interpretation of the Thessalonian letters

In this commentary Andy Johnson engages with the developing interpretive framework of missional hermeneutics to present a theological interpretation of 1 & 2 Thessalonians that aims to help the church more fully participate in the life and mission of the triune God.

After a verse-by-verse commentary, Johnson closely examines the theology of the two epistles, focusing especially on the topics of eschatology, holiness, and election in light of his missional reading of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. In his exegetical and theological analyses, Johnson considers canonical concerns, doctrinal commitments, ecclesial practices, proposals from contemporary systematic theology, and insights gleaned from the field of neuroscience regarding personal and community formation, all of which help to clarify and enrich readers' understanding of various passages.

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Reviews

"Andy Johnson has written an extraordinary commentary on the Thessalonian letters from the perspective of their missional dynamic and purpose. It is at once exegetically perceptive, theologically rich, and missionally insightful. Johnson's volume will assist all those who read it both to better understand this early Pauline correspondence and, if they so desire, to participate more fully in the mission of the Triune God to which these texts bear eloquent witness. A landmark contribution to the commentary genre." Michael J. Gorman — St. Mary's Seminary & University

"This splendid commentary on 1 and 2 Thessalonians not only contributes to our understanding of these letters but also serves as a benchmark example of the practice of missional hermeneutics." John R. Franke — The Gospel and Our Culture Network

"Reflecting thoughtful engagement with recent scholarly developments in both theological interpretation and missional hermeneutics, Johnson has produced a pioneering work. Exegetically judicious, theologically astute, and canonically informed, this volume will serve as a welcome guide for those seeking to navigate the theological content and the missional implications of 1 and 2 Thessalonians." Michael Barram — Saint Mary's College of California

"If I were asked to teach a class on 1 and 2 Thessalonians, I would do it with the Bible in one hand and this commentary in the other! With sane and meticulous attention to exegetical detail, Johnson is clear about what he believes to be the thrust of Paul's message in these letters, and he offers his interpretation with a gracious spirit." George R. Hunsberger — Western Theological Seminary

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Andy Johnson is professor of New Testament at Nazarene Theological Seminary, Kansas City, Missouri, and coeditor of Holiness and Ecclesiology in the New Testament.