Paul’s letters to the church in Thessalonica are often considered two of the less important of his letters, but they were written to an important city and a church facing important issues. In addition to addressing the issue of Christ’s return and the problem of people who refused to work, these letters model a truly loving relationship between a pastor and a congregation.
In 1 & 2 Thessalonians Verse by Verse, respected New Testament scholar Grant R. Osborne shows readers that in a culture demanding that everyone participate in the worship of the Roman Empire’s gods, the Thessalonians desperately needed resources that would help them withstand the pressure to conform. These letters provide us with a thrilling example of affection among believers in extremely hard times and help us see how that affection can make severe trials bearable.
Lexham Press is proud to announce a New Testament commentary series from respected biblical scholar Grant R. Osborne. His seminal work, The Hermeneutical Spiral, has become a standard for biblical interpretation, and as a culmination of his life’s ministry, he's bringing his academic acumen to an accessible, application-focused commentary.
The Osborne New Testament Commentaries interpret Scripture verse by verse, bridging the gap between scholarship and the Church. This set of commentaries is for people seeking a straightforward explanation of the text in its context, avoiding either oversimplification or technical complexity. Osborne brings out the riches of the New Testament, making each book accessible for pastors and all who consider themselves students of Scripture.
Learn more about the other titles in this series.
With this new series, readers will have before them what we—his students—experienced in all of Professor Osborne's classes: patient regard for every word in the text, exegetical finesse, a preference for an eclectic resolution to the options facing the interpreter, a sensitivity to theological questions, and most of all a reverence for God's word.
—Scot McKnight, Julius R. Mantey Professor in New Testament, Northern Seminary
The Osborne New Testament Commentaries draw from the deep well of a lifetime of serious study and teaching. They present significant interpretive insights in a highly accessible, spiritually nurturing format. This is a tremendous resource that will serve a new generation of Bible readers well for years to come. Highly recommended!
—Andreas J. Kӧstenberger, Founder of Biblical Foundations™, senior research professor of New Testament & biblical theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
“It is right ‘because your faith is growing more and more.” (Page 156)
“Christian living have not abated but have grown even greater.” (Page 156)
“This probably means they connected that ‘day’ with the outpouring of God’s wrath rather than the coming of Christ to gather the saints, and that the fact that they missed the ‘rapture’ meant that they were under the wrath.” (Page 170)
“The purpose of this opening statement is to show them that this core doctrine is at the heart of all Christian belief. So the Christian hope is anchored in absolute truth and in the concrete reality of the resurrection of Jesus.” (Page 106)
“His purpose was clear. He was being sent ‘to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.’ Each verb is important. ‘Strengthen’ (stērixai) means to ‘shore up’ or ‘make firm’ a building or ‘establish’ a movement or group.” (Page 68)