I’m now in my second scholarly book about Thessalonians.
Ascough makes an argument against specific Pauline authorship, even suggesting Paul didn’t have anything to do with writing the second letter at all.
Stott dismisses any opposition to Paul’s authorship. Both make good arguments.
What do you think and does true authorship impact your faith or understanding of the gospel?
If this was true 31 years ago at the time of this writing, how much more true is it today?
“Paul’s preaching was not only powerful in its effect but confident in its presentation. He was sure of his message, of its truth and its relevance, and in consequence was bold in proclaiming it. Yet this confidence and this courage are precisely what many modern preachers seem to lack.”
Stott, John R. W. 1994. The Message of Thessalonians: The Gospel & the End of Time. The Bible Speaks Today. Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
Isn’t it ironic that the religious systems that push faith + works the hardest often produce the ugliest fruit? Pride, hypocrisy, control, and cruelty… That’s because external performance can polish behavior but it can’t regenerate a heart. You can obey rules and still love sin, still despise grace, still trust yourself. Jesus didn’t say bad fruit comes from bad effort, but from a bad tree. Only regeneration and believing the gospel creates a new heart where law-heavy religion just teaches people how to hide rot under obedience
In 2026 I’m Diving deep into scholarly writings.
I’m starting with 1 & 2 Thessalonians and I’m excited!
Here’s my current reading lineup in Logos:
• John Stott – The Message of 1 & 2 Thessalonians
• Douglas Mangum & Derek R. Brown – Lexham Research Commentary on 1 Thessalonians
• Douglas Mangum & Derek R. Brown – Lexham Research Commentary on 2 Thessalonians
• Charles H. Spurgeon – 2 Thessalonians
• Richard S. Ascough – 1 & 2 Thessalonians: An Introduction and Study Guide (currently reading – great for historical context)
I’m working through these to better understand Paul’s encouragement to a young church facing persecution, the hope of Christ’s return, and how to live faithfully while we wait. This list should give me a mix of scholarly, pastoral, and historical angles.
• What’s your favorite commentary or book on 1 & 2 Thessalonians?
• Any hidden gems I should add to my queue (classic or modern)?
• Any advice as I roll up my sleeves and get to work?
Would love to hear your recommendations and thoughts – drop them below! 🙏
📖 #BibleStudy#1Thessalonians#2Thessalonians#ThessaloniansStudy
@5SolasMissy I've heard it said that non-believers often live good/successful lives so why be a Christian? A great answer was "the enemy already has you where he wants you, there's no reason to attack".
Being Christian is hard - if you think it's easy, perhaps it's time for some reflection.
Just finished a "read the Bible in 100 days" plan.
I def got something different from reading it straight through. I especially liked reading the Pauline letters in one sitting, recommend trying that out.
Looking for a new plan to start in 2026. Any recommendations?
What do you guys do when the enemy gets inside your head and all you want to do is withdraw from everyone around you, including your family and even God Himself?
Funny how God hits us with a verse exactly when we need it most.
James 1:2-4 NASB - Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas!
We spent time with extended family and had a great day of fellowship. This gathering used to be an annual tradition for us and then we moved away for a few years. Happy to have it back!
Do you have any holiday family traditions?
@5SolasMissy Funny, I literally just recorded a video for my YT channel (just turned off the camera, it's that fresh) that explains how this exact thing can lead to anxiety and is actually one of they ways we try to "serve two masters".
@sola_chad There's a coffee shop in downtown Annapolis, Maryland called Bitty and Beaus that does this same thing and you'll never receive better service!
If you're ever visiting, highly recommend making a stop and having your heart warmed.
bittyandbeauscoffee.com/location/annap…
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