A Superb Introduction to Lesser-Known Letters
A Review of
The First Christian Letters: Reading 1 and 2 Thessalonians
Rafael Rodríguez
Paperback: Cascade Books, 2024
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Reviewed by Rob O’Lynn
It should be noted at the onset that, in Rodríguez’s own words, “This is not a commentary” (viii). This short volume is an introduction, a work that focuses on introducing the themes, rhetorical perspective, historical background, and/or sociological context needed for studying the book. These kinds of biblical and theological books can provide an immediate and important foundation for an exegetical study of the biblical text (which a commentary would greatly aid in). While books like the one under consideration can and often do provide exegetical insight into a specific text, this is not the intent of a book such as the one from Rodríguez. These prefatory comments are offered to provide context for the review comments that follow.
When one thinks of the “great books” of the Christian canon, the Thessalonians, generally, never make the top 10. Or the top 20. Maybe even the top 30. This is not to say that scholars have not given careful attention to these brief letters. Quite the contrary, as Abraham Malherbe’s volume in the Anchor Bible Commentary (which Rodríguez draws on) is not only an excellent treatment of the Thessalonian letters but is also an excellent example of scholarship in its respective series. Also, the more modern contributions from Eugene Boring, Timothy Brookins and Nijay Gupta demonstrate that there still remains much theological insight to be mined from these two letters addressed to the Thessalonian Christians. It is just, honestly, not Romans, 1 Corinthians or even Galatians.
And that, to some degree, is the point. As Rodríguez also notes, it was this unfamiliarity with the Thessalonian letters that drew him to the study, especially as a Pauline scholar. This humility serves a lesson in and of itself, as Rodríguez reminds us that we can never be satisfied with our level of Bible study but should return humbly hungry time and time again. To that end, Rodríguez’s study engages in discussions of the following themes, after Rodríguez’s own translation of the Thessalonian letters and establishing the historical context (chapter 1): Christianity and “belonging” (chapter 2), Christianity and family (chapter 3), sexual ethics (chapter 4), eschatology (chapter 5), and hospitality (chapter 7). Rodríguez also addresses the authenticity debate that surrounds 2 Thessalonians (chapter 6) and the accompanying debate about how to understand the Thessalonian letters as “scripture” (chapter 8). In each chapter, Rodríguez addresses each topic with the focused precision of a seasoned scholar but also the gentle clarity of a pastoral teacher. For what good is excellent scholarship if no one can understand it?
From a meta perspective of thematic study, the earlier chapters are the strength of the book. The decision to focus on the theme of family—specifically, adoption, which draws from his own personal experience—provides a robust theological foundation for the entirety of the study. This, I thought, was both pastorally brilliant and also a good reminder that students of scripture can approach the study of a text from different perspectives and come to good conclusions. For example, I focus on the theme of hope in 1 Thessalonians, looking more to chapter 4 as a key text. Rodríguez’s focus on “belonging,” family, and hospitality cracked open my understanding of 1 Thessalonians in new and beautiful ways. For that, I am thankful that I read this book.
However, this also leads to the one critique that I had of the book—it is really an introduction to 1 Thessalonians with the majority of conversation about 2 Thessalonians reserved for the specific chapter on the debate over its authenticity (again, chapter 6). To his credit, he handles this difficult subject with the same focus and care as he does the other topics, ultimately (and, I think, correctly) arguing for the letter to once again be considered genuinely Pauline. Yet, as a whole, I would have liked to see a broader engagement with 2 Thessalonians. However, overall, this is an excellent introduction to the Thessalonian letters—easily on par with Paul and the Thessalonians, Malherbe’s own brief introduction to the Thessalonian letters.
Rob O'Lynn
Rob O'Lynn is Associate Professor of Preaching and Ministry, Director of Graduate Bible Programs, and Dean of the School of Distance and General Education at Kentucky Christian University. He has served congregations in Arkansas, Texas, West Virginia and Kentucky. You can follow him @DrRobOLynn on Twitter or Instagram.
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