"1-2 Thessalonians" by Matthew Jensen. A Short Review

 

I just recently preached a sermon series through 1 and 2 Thessalonians, "Securing the Word and Keeping It Straight." I loved the studying and preparation for the whole series. Within a few days after completing that series, Matthias Media put out an email advert about a new book on 1 and 2 Thessalonians. I was delighted to see it and snagged a copy quick. It's part of the "Matthias Bible Guides," which "exist to help Bible teachers of all levels engage with the word of God and prepare themselves to teach the Bible to others" (3). This particular installment was penned by Matthew Jensen, who is a research associate at Sydney University, where he teaches New Testament, and an adjunct lecturer in New Testament and Biblical Theology at Moore Theological College. He is also a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, the Tyndale Fellowship and the Evangelical Theological Society, and a fellow of the Institute of Biblical Studies. 


This study in 1 and 2 Thessalonians is not a commentary. It is a simple introduction that gives Jensen's thought on the central message of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. The author addresses things like the who, what, when, where, why? He further looks into the biblical and systematic theological aspects of these two short letters. The author examines other pieces important to grasp such as key words and phrases, Old Testament connections, crucial questions in the letters and debates, structure, suggested teaching outlines, and even the letters' evangelistic values. I think the writer is correct when he say that these letters "address some of our most pressing existential questions, and they present the Christian life as one of waiting and serving—waiting for the Lord Jesus to return to judge, and serving the true and living God while we wait. These letters keep my eyes on the future amid the pain and suffering that we all go through as Christians in a fallen world" (10).


I think Jensen's conclusion is part of the main value of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. "There are so many things that can draw our eyes away from eternity—things that can cause us to focus on the present at the expense of the certain future. Yet if we understand1–2 Thessalonians (…) we can wait with full assurance of our future and imitate both Paul and the Thessalonian believers" (122).


If you are looking for an overview that has some depth to it, this is a healthy volume. If you're wondering how to preach and/or teach through 1 and 2 Thessalonians, this little work can put you on the right track. Though I might have some slight disagreements with the author regarding the eschatology and central themes of both letter, nevertheless, I think this handy book would be a worthwhile tool. I highly recommend this work.

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