Exegetical

Exegetical Report 1: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11

Pauline Eschatology in the Thessalonian Correspondence

[Name]

BIBL 524 Pauline Theology

[Date]

Overview of the Exegetical Reports

Throughout this course, students will complete two Exegetical Reports, each pertaining to a specific topic related to Pauline theology. These reports will be oriented toward the exegetical description of selected sections of Pauline letters to understand the situational and cultural dimensions of Paul’s theology. In each Exegetical Report, the student will compose responses within a provided template adding up to at least 1,000 words ( excluding footnotes and bibliography). At least two peer-reviewed sources other than this course’s textbook should be consulted in each report.

Exegetical Report 1: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11

In preparation for the assignment below, read the entire book of 1 Thessalonians and the corresponding chapter in Douglas J. Moo’s A Theology of Paul and His Letters. Pay special attention to the details about the historical situation and the social and theological issues confronting the church in Thessalonica. Cite at least two peer-reviewed resources in addition to citing Moo’s text where appropriate. Follow Turabian style throughout, including the formatting of biblical references, footnotes, and bibliography.

To complete this Exegetical Report, use this document as your template.

1. Describe the historical occasion of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonian church. Identify when Paul wrote this letter, explaining the circumstances around Paul’s relationship with the church in Thessalonica and why he wrote to them (200 words).

2. Identify the primary reason Paul addresses matters of eschatology in 1 Thessalonians (50 words).

3. Describe the eschatological teaching of 1 Thess 4:13–18. Identify features in this pericope that are challenging for interpretation and provide evidence for a particular interpretive view. Be sure to consider the contextual meanings of key terms in this passage, such as parousia (“presence/coming”; 4:15), harpazō (“caught up”; 4:17), and apantēsis (“meeting”; 4:17). There should be at least two sources cited in this answer (400 words).

4. Explain how 1 Thess 5:1–11 focuses on the impact of eschatological hope on those who are “awake.” According to Paul, how should believers conduct their lives in light of Christ’s expected return? Make specific references to the biblical text to provide a description of Paul’s argument (300 words).

5. Based on Paul’s example, make a brief application of 1 Thess 4:13–5:11 that considers the importance of using biblical theology in the practice of pastoral care or discipleship (50 words).

Bibliography

[Provide full bibliographic entries for all sources cited in the body of your assignment. Follow Turabian style. Moo’s book is provided as an example. Delete these instructions prior to submitting your assignment.]

Moo, Douglas J. A Theology of Paul and His Letters: The Gift of the New Realm in Christ. Biblical Theology of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Academic, 2021.