Theological Hermeneutics and 1 Thessalonians

by Angus Paddison

Overview

This book proposes a theological reading of 1 Thessalonians, making an important response to the increasing demand to relate biblical scholarship more closely to theological concerns. Paddison's interpretation adheres very closely to the text and is divided into three parts. Part I offers a theological critique of dominant historical-critical readings of 1 Thessalonians. Part II examines the history of interpretation of 1 Thessalonians focusing on the pre-Modern exegesis of Thomas Aquinas and John Calvin. Paddison explores what theological exegetes can learn from Thomas Aquinas' Lectura and John Calvin's commentary on 1 Thessalonians. Aided by the insights of these neglected pre-Modern commentators, Part III presents a theologically driven interpretation of the letter. Theological exegesis is practised as a dialogue with Paul, the canon and a plethora of theological voices to elucidate Paddison's central argument, that the astonishing subject-matter of 1 Thessalonians is God's all-powerful hold over death.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521849838
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	05/05/2005
Series:	Society for New Testament Studies Monograph Series , #133
Pages:	248
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.67(d)

About the Author

Angus Paddison is Postdoctoral Research Assistant in New Testament Studies at the University of Gloucestershire.

Table of Contents

Introduction; Part I. The Critical Task: 1. 1 Thessalonians and the historical-critical project in theological perspective; Part II. An Exploration of Some Pre-Modern Readings of 1 Thessalonians: 2. Thomas Aquinas and 1 Thessalonians; 3. John Calvin and 1 Thessalonians; 4. Conclusion to Part II; Part III. A Proposed Reading of 1 Thessalonians: 5. Death and resurrection in 1 Thessalonians; Conclusion.

Editorial Reviews

"I highly recommend this book and look forward to Paddison's future contributions to theological exegesis."
-Andy Johnson, Interpretation

"After drawing on the work of Thomas Aquinas and John Calvin, Paddison offers a reading of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 that is both theologically penetrating and deeply provocative."
-Beverly Roberts Gaventa, Princeton Theological Seminary, Christian Century

From the Publisher