Possibly the earliest Christian documents, the Thessalonians letters are addressed to Christians in a society surrounded by polytheism and nestled at the crossroads of an empire. With topics ranging from Christology and the second coming to ethics and holy living, these writings are a balm to the suffering, an encouragement to the struggling, and an admonishment to the idle. Terence Paige deftly handles the content of Thessalonians as well as issues of authorship and composition. He expertly marries both the academic and spiritual tasks of spiritual study to produce an NBBC volume that is a welcome addition to the libraries of lay and clergy alike. The New Beacon Bible Commentary is an engaging, indispensable reference tool to aid individuals in every walk of life in the study and meditation of God's Word. Written from the Wesleyan theological perspective, it offers insight and perceptive scholarship to help you unlock the deeper truths of Scripture and garner an awareness of the history, culture, and context attributed to each book of study. Readable, relevant, and academically thorough, it offers scholars, pastors, and laity a new standard for understanding and interpreting the Bible in the 21st century. - from publisher.