The Threat to Faith: An Exegetical and Theological Re-Examination of 2 Thessalonians 2 (Charles H. Giblin, Rome: Pontifical Biblical Institute, 1967)

Abstract

Charles H. Giblin’s The Threat to Faith presents an exegetical and theological re-examination of 2 Thessalonians 2. This book consists of three parts. Part One investigates the state of the question; Part Two contains the exegesis of 2 Thessalonians 2 and concludes with a commentary on the whole of that passage; and Part Three presents fuller theological reflections consequent on the exegesis.BR The situation referred to at 2 Thessalonians 2 is a case of deception or serious danger of deception regarding Paul’s teaching on the day of the Lord. The Sits im Leben of 2 Thessalonians is the threat to faith. With regard to specific problem like the κατέχον/-ων, there is discontent. The general meaning of ‘to restrain’ or ‘to hold back’ is defended for κατέχω. But Giblin demonstrates that κατέχω is used in the sense of “holding fast” though certainly not “holding off.” At the same time, he argues that the term alludes to pagan cult practices, particularly that of pseudo-charismatic activity in which something or someone “takes hold of” or “seizes” another. He demonstrates the apocalyptic schema on the 2 Thessalonians 2:6-7, which is one of the most baffling and difficult passages in the Pauline Epistle. 2 Thessalonians 2 shows there is a progression in the law of apocalyptic dialectic. τὸ κατέχον must be personalized as well as concretized in order to express its ultimate self-evidence. This figure does not “hold it back” but rather prefigures and anticipates the revelation of “the lawless one.” This study indicates that the κατέχον(-ων) is a threat to faith.BR With regard to some theological implications, Giblin situates 2 Thessalonians in the main current of Paul’s theological thought, and argues that this letter authentically represents Paul’s thought. He proposes “the eschatological principle,” which is basic to Paul’s theology as a whole. He exemplifies how the eschatological principle could be engaged with Paul’s soteriology, apocalyptic, and the understanding of Paul’s theological development.