1 and 2 Thessalonians by Nijay K. Gupta

Abstract

Reviewed by: 1 and 2 Thessalonians by Nijay K. Gupta Charles Nathan Ridlehoover nijay k. gupta, 1 and 2 Thessalonians (Zondervan Critical Introductions to the New Testament 13; Grand Rapids: Zondervan Academic, 2019). Pp. 320. $44.99. Nijay K. Gupta is associate professor of New Testament at Portland Seminary, George Fox University, in Portland, Oregon. He is also an avid blogger at Crux Sola (cruxsolablog.com). The volume under review is the initial release in the newly created Zondervan Critical Introductions to the New Testament series through Zondervan Academic. In this series, the editors and authors are attempting to offer volume-length engagement on subjects such as audience, authorship, purpose, structure, history of interpretation, sociohistorical context, and so on that normally receive only short treatments in current commentaries. It is a running joke in the biblical studies guild that the world could do without two things: more Bible translations and more commentaries. G.’s newest commentary shows that it is possible to write a commentary that is novel and more than a compendium of repeated scholarship. In this volume, G. provides an indispensable read for those seeking to engage Paul’s letters to the Thessalonian church. Unlike normal commentaries, which work through the text on a verse-by-verse basis, this commentary is arranged according to topics. G. begins with 1 Thessalonians and then moves to 2 Thessalonians (a tipping of his hand to their order). Each section begins with an analysis of the text of the letter (chaps. 1 and 5). Here, G. explores the textual variations of each letter, noting significant text-critical concerns. This section on textual criticism leads to a discussion of the textual integrity of each letter and then to more traditional historical-critical issues (authorship, dating, and literary features [genre, style, structure]). In chaps. 2 and 6, G. explores the history of Thessalonica as well as the background and situation that gave rise to each respective letter. Topics include city demographics, religion in Thessalonica, and Jewish presence in the city. To avoid repetition, in chap. 6, G. discusses the much-contested topic of Pauline authorship and literary dependence of 2 Thessalonians. In chaps. 3 and 7, G. details the themes and interpretation of each book. The themes sections provide in-depth examinations of metatopics that stretch across each individual letter, while [End Page 509] the interpretive section concentrates on individual texts that are interpretive challenges, including 1 Thess 2:7b; 2:13–16; 4:4, 11; and 5:3. The study of 2 Thessalonians focuses not on individual verses but rather on key issues. G. explains his rationale for this difference in handling difficult texts. Unfortunately, because of the assumed anonymity of 2 Thessalonians, less attention has been given to the critical issues of interpretation relevant to this letter. Despite this negligence, G. analyzes God’s righteous judgment, the day of the Lord, the man of lawlessness, the identity of the restrainer, and the issue of self-appointed “apostles.” Throughout these sections, Gupta lists major studies relating to the individual topics. This running list of major studies is not limited only to chaps. 3 and 7 but can be found throughout the commentary. The last chapter of each section (chaps. 4 and 8) surveys the history of interpretation. In those cases where G. has mentioned the work of an important study in an earlier chapter, he omits further reference in his recounting of interpretation. The volume ends with a copious bibliography and helpful indexes. As many will undoubtedly comment, the layout of this new series is wonderful for researchers. It provides a one-stop-shop and ease of use for critical information. One can just turn to the desired topic and the relevant texts are gathered into one discussion. Another refreshing feature of the commentary is G.’s voice. When it is necessary, G. cuts to the chase. For example, he is straightforward in his assessment of Pauline authorship. At other times, he presents all the options and carefully notes his preference at the end. These sections will provide the greatest opportunity for disagreement but will also help the reader avoid unnecessary agnosticism on critical issues. For example, I am more optimistic about David...