Episode Two of Season Two of Our Study of Paul’s Thessalonian Letters Is Ready! "Paul's Theological Categories"

Synopsis of Episode Two: “Paul’s Theological Categories”

Paul was converted about 33 AD when Jesus appeared to him on the Damascus Road, revealing to Paul the content of the gospel he was to preach. Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians was written around 50 AD, just short of twenty years after his conversion. By this time, Paul has a settled theology–his basic theological categories are in place. He applied these categories in Galatia in opposition to the Judaizers, and he now applies them in an entirely different set of circumstances in Thessalonica. Paul is not making his doctrine up on the fly. So, what was this “settled theology” and how does Paul apply these basic theological categories in his letters to the Thessalonians?

Show Notes:

G. K. Beale quote mentioned in Episode Two:

“In the Old Testament this wording is prophetic and refers to a future time. (1) There will be a tribulation for Israel consisting of oppression (Ezek 38:14–17), persecution (Dan 10:14; 11:27–12:10), false teaching, deception and apostasy (Dan 10:14; 11:27–35). (2) After the tribulation Israel will seek the Lord (Hos 3:4–5) and be delivered (Ezek 38:14–16; Dan 10:14; 12:1–13), while their enemies will be judged (Ezek 38:14–16; Dan 10:14; 11:40–45; 12:2). (3) This deliverance and judgment will occur because a leader (Messiah) from Israel will finally conquer all of its Gentile enemies (Gen 49:1, 8–12; Num 24:14–19; Is 2:2–4; Mic 4:1–3; Dan 2:28–45; 10:14–12:10). (4) God will establish a kingdom on the earth and rule over it (Is 2:2–4; Dan 2:28–45; Mic 4:1–3) together with a Davidic king (Hos 3:4–5). As in the New Testament, the concept of eschatology appears even when the actual terminology does not. For example, Daniel 12:2 speaks of the final resurrection of all people, and Isaiah 65:17 and 66:22 refer to the coming new heavens and earth.” G. K. Beale, 1-2 Thessalonians, (IVP) 19-20.

"Two Age Biblical Texts": As mentioned in this episode

Paul's Apologetic Speeches in the Book of Acts: Also mentioned in the podcast

Bibliography for Season Two of the Blessed Hope Podcast, “When the Lord Jesus Is Revealed from Heaven: Paul’s Thessalonian Letters”

A History of the City of Thessalonica Important background to our series

F. F. Bruce's "Paul: The Apostle of the Heart Set Free" The Life and Times of Paul—Still the best biographical study of Paul

G, K, Beale, 1-2 Thessalonians (IVP NT Commentary) The best all around commentary on the Thessalonians letters (strong on eschatology)

F. F. Bruce, 1 and 2 Thessalonians (Word) One of the better technical commentaries—Bruce is especially strong on background, setting, and historical matters

Gene Green, The Letters to the Thessalonians (Pillar) A very good scholarly evangelical commentary

John Calvin, 1 and 2 Thessalonians (Crossway Classics) Calvin’s insights into this letter are still worth consideration

Music:

(Shutterstock): Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op 92m, second movement, Allegretto (A minor)