1 & 2 Thessalonians: Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament [ZECNT] by Gary S Shogren and published by Zondervan.
1 and 2 Thessalonians show how Paul created his characteristic communication strategy: sending letters by a trusted representative, in order to strengthen his disciples and provide answers for new questions. The mostly gentile church of Thessalonica lived among people who mocked the gospel teachings of monotheism, personal purity, and the resurrection of the body. Paul writes that God had indeed selected to be his people and in time he would vindicate them before the world. Shorgen uses exegetical and rhetorical insights and Jewish and Greco-Roman background the bring out the meaning of his letters. He underscores Paul's work as church-planter and pastor, a man who consciously set himself forth as an example to believers. According to Shogren, the apostle still stands as a model for those who wish to proclaim God's word in God's way.
