From hope to despair in Thessalonica: situating 1 and 2 Thessalonians - 126

This ground breaking analysis cuts to the heart of the critical debate surrounding the two Thessalonian 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 an original and 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'.

In addition to making a fresh case for the authenticity of 2 Thessalonians and resolving one of the most difficult problems in the Bible - the identity of 'the Restrainer' - this monograph is a comprehensive analysis of the Thessalonian Epistles.

It will provide an indispensable resource for scholars and pastors interested in the Thessalonian correspondence.