Thessalonians

REVIEWS

Samuel G. Dawson (https://www.samuelgdawson.com/)

When I began studying eschatology seriously, it took me five years to understand the nature of the in I Cor. 15 without all the sermon outlines, sermons, classes, etc., flooding over what the text actually said. Personally though, Thessalonians was even more difficult for me. With Daniel Rogers' work on Thessalonians presented in this work, you will have an advantage I didn't have. Daniel deals with the text forthrightly and honestly, and you'll profit a great deal from his well-written and researched work. How I wish I'd had Rogers' book when I first taught Thessalonians nearly 50 years ago.

Dr. Don K. Preston (https://www.bibleprophecy.com/)

In this short, but effective commentary, Daniel Rogers, offers his readers some excellent insight into the true meaning and application of two of Paul's intensely eschatological epistles, the Thessalonian epistles. What you will not want to miss are his Excursus studies! These “focused” studies address some of the more controversial aspects of the Thessalonian epistles, and helps the reader look into the real world of the mind of Paul and the Thessalonians as they were being persecuted for their in Christ. His discussion of 2 Thessalonians 2 and the Man of , is a powerful antidote to the rampant prophetic speculation that continues to plague modern Evangelical Christianity.

Rogers provides insight, intelligence, a sensitivity to context, along with sound logic to give the reader assurance that what they are reading is an accurate assessment of the message of Thessalonians. I am more than happy to recommend this book.

Alan Bondar, Lead Pastor of LIFT in Fort Myers, FL (www.myliftchurch.com)

Daniel Rogers' commentary on First and Second Thessalonians is a breath of fresh air. This piece of work is, hands down, the best source of commentary you will find anywhere on these letters. Unlike most commentaries, Rogers is able to stay consistent with the audience relevance principle throughout the entire letters. There were moments that I smacked my head saying, “That's it! That's what Paul meant!” This is a book I will reference whenever I'm considering Paul's letters to the Thessalonians. Pay whatever it costs to own this book. It's one for the ages.

Kevin Pendergrass (http://www.kevingpendergrass.com)

The style of writing is very simplistic and easy to understand.  Regardless of one's view on eschatology, this book is a solid read and worthy of consideration!

FOREWORD

Daniel Rogers is one of the most insightful writers today within the Stone/ Campbell Movement. This particular study surrounding First and Second Thessalonians is one of the most stimulating, concise, and abridged studies yet to be published in this area. His ability to examine each verse and explain with a common-sense mentality is superb. In his approach to providing a greater understanding of these two Epistles, he relies heavily upon context (audience relevance) as a major factor in seeking to comprehend more visibly the substance of Paul's teaching on eschatology. His interpretation covers the cultural context, which study will assist one in interpreting the two Episltes in light of Paul's intent. One theme that permeates his book is the application of the rational approach to this frequently misunderstood treatise. Daniel explores various controversies in his nine chapters in order to bring about a clearer penetration into the background and purpose of these two Epistles. He establishes the point that both Epistles represent an accurate representation of Christ's Second Coming in AD 70. Just a cursory reading of Daniel's examination of First and Second Thessalonians reveals that Paul focused on the Second Coming of Christ in the first century. As we peruse the content of this book, we come away with the conviction that Christ came during the lifetime of many of the Thessalonian believers. He demonstrates that 2 Thessalonians is a continuation of 1 Thessalonians. Both Epistles deal with Jesus' Second Coming within the first century. In other words, 2 Thessalonians is an excellent commentary on 1 Thessalonians.

For every serious student of God's Word, I recommend this book be read with a desire to understand the Word of God more clearly. Daniel has provided us with a great many challenging studies surrounding this often misunderstood correspondence, which studies should serve to help us eliminate unfounded opinions about the Lord's return. He sets forth a fresh and liberating interpretation of the various passages of Scripture that have long been abused by countless sincere and devout believers by unenlightened followers of Christ as to the nature of His return. He seeks to bring new light to bear on how to hear afresh familiar Scriptures in order to appropriate the truths of God's Word in such a way that it will bring liberation for those in bondage to the faith of their forefathers. His verse by verse exegesis of these two letters demonstrate that Christ's coming occurred in AD 70.

In these nine chapters, he promotes contextual, as well as common-sense, interpretation as to the means of allowing the New Testament to speak on its own terms. If we wish to fully appreciate what the authors of the New Testament writings sought to convey, we must unravel a particular text in order to help the modern-day readers to comprehend the original meaning through a first-century context. Daniel stresses that without a clear perception of the author's intent, we cannot arrive at the true perception of the text's meaning. By bringing the original setting of this discussion by Paul, Daniel helps us to discard twenty-first century bifocals. This commentary is precise and to the point in his explanation. This book is a needed work, and I pray to God that He will give Daniel Rogers many more years to work for genuine unity among His people.

Dallas Burdette, D. Min.

Montgomery, Alabama

http://www.freedominchrist.net

PREFACE

The letters of Paul to the church at Thessalonica are among his first . There is debate about what book of his was authored first, and the details of that can be found in many commentaries published by authors of varying background. Instead of dealing with the authorship, dating, circumstance, and validity of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, my time will be spent in this preface dealing with purpose and layout of this commentary. This commentary is the first of many commentaries I plan on writing on the New Testament. This commentary set is meant to be easily readable by the beginning Bible student and the advanced Bible student. While the bulk of the commentary is simple and straightforward, there are sections that are more detailed, but hopefully they will be presented in such a way that all can learn and grow from them.

My Philosophy

When I use a commentary in my own personal study, I mainly look at it to jump start my mind when dealing with a verse that may be giving me trouble. Other times, I simply want the author's view on the meaning of that Scripture. There are many commentaries that give lots of detail and delve into the various scholarly positions, and they have their place. My commentary, however, is meant to be concise, simple, and to the point. While I do examine other views in some places, much of the verses are dealt with speedily. I simply wish to suggest my interpretation of the Scripture and allow you to make your own determinations.

Tools for the Reader

I've done several things in this work that should appeal to every level of reader. For example, when I introduce a quotation from another author, a footnote giving a brief biography of that author will be given when applicable. This lets the reader know the religious background of that author, and, this, helps in identifying any presuppositions or religious baggage that the author may have.

Also, I use a system in identifying Greek words that should help every level of student. The reference is as follows: manuscript [Strong's number, Lemma, Transliteration of the Lemma]. For example, ἐκλογὴν [G1586 – ἐκλογή – ekloge]. In some cases, the word appears in the manuscript as the lemma, so it is not included in the brackets. In other cases, a one-word definition will be included in the brackets. Some will be able to utilize the entire reference, while others who do not have training in Greek will still be able to look up the definition using the Strong's number.

Finally, I have included several essays meant to supplement the material found within the book. These are referred to as Excursus. As mentioned before, I do not want the commentary section of the book to be any larger than necessary, so the various essays serve as ways to introduce more material without ‘overloading' each verse.

My Perspective

From my point of view, one of the main teachings that underlies the New Testament is that of the New Exodus or Second Exodus. While this phrase is not found in the Bible, it is a biblical phrase. It refers to the time when God would regather Israel and Judah into one body and extend mercy to the Gentiles under the New Covenant (Isaiah 11:11; Isaiah 49:6). In the New Testament, John the Baptist is a key figure in the New Exodus in that he is the voice crying in the wilderness (Matthew 3:1; Mark 1:2; Luke 3:4; John 1:23). The restoration of Israel was an expectation of the people within the first century including Zacharias, Anna, and the apostles (Luke 1:68; Luke 2:38; Acts 1:6; Acts 28:20).

One of the main themes within the first Exodus was that of the marriage between God and Israel (Ezekiel 16). This was typological of the marriage between Christ and the church under the New Covenant. Part of the marriage process was the sanctification of the bride (Ezekiel 16:9; Ephesians 5:26). This sanctification process under the New Covenant was facilitated by the Holy who served as a seal of the soon-to-come redemption (2 Thessalonians 2:13; Ephesians 1:13-14).

It is evident that this theme is present in 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and so it will be through this lens that much of the book – especially the eschatological (i.e. ‘end times') passages are interpreted.

 

You can purchase the book at Amazon or through the LNIV Store.