From Hope to Despair in Thessalonica Situating 1 and 2 Thessalonians [Paperback]

A comprehensive account of the Thessalonian Epistles, presenting a compelling hypothesis.This ground-breaking analysis cuts to the heart of the critical debate surrounding the two Thessalonians Epistles. Colin R. Nicholl examines the situations giving rise to each Letter with a view to determining how the two relate historically. His book presents a compelling hypothesis, arguing that reflected in the Letters are two stages of a single crisis plaguing a recently formed Greek Church, which spiralled from hope into despair on account of confusion about 'the end'. The monograph is the most up-to-date and comprehensive account of the Thessalonian Epistles available today.This ground-breaking analysis cuts to the heart of the critical debate surrounding the two Thessalonians Epistles. Colin R. Nicholl examines the situations giving rise to each Letter with a view to determining how the two relate historically. His book presents a compelling hypothesis, arguing that reflected in the Letters are two stages of a single crisis plaguing a recently formed Greek Church, which spiralled from hope into despair on account of confusion about 'the end'. The monograph is the most up-to-date and comprehensive account of the Thessalonian Epistles available today.Colin R. Nicholl examines the situations giving rise to each Thessalonian Epistle to determine how the two relate historically. His book presents a compelling hypothesis, arguing that the two letters reflect two stages of a single crisis plaguing a recently formed Greek Church, (which spiralled from hope into despair because of confusion about the end time.) This monograph is the most up-to-date and comprehensive account of the Thessalonian Epistles currently available.Preface; Abbreviations; Part I: 1. Introduction; Part II: 2. Grieving without hope; 3. Anxious and fearful; 4. In need of reassurance; Part III: 5. Shaken and terrified; 6. Perseverance under threat; 7. Explaining the problem of 'idleness' and the conclusion:l³!