'In this updated volume on the Thessalonian letters, Seyoon Kim tackles the challenging feat of revising the work of his mentor, F. F. Bruce. While surely standing on the shoulders of Bruce, Kim deserves commendation for offering a thorough exegesis of these two important, and sometimes overlooked, Pauline letters. At three and a half times the length of Bruce's original work, Kim handles the textual, linguistic, historical, social, and theological factors with precision, thoroughness, and care. His interaction with secondary sources shows keen discernment, gracefully offering constructive criticism where appropriate. Especially helpful is Kim's discussion of justification, a doctrine that is often overlooked or even assumed absent in these letters. This volume will surely be an essential reference for anyone studying the Thessalonian correspondence.'
'Prof. Seyoon Kim has not only provided an update to F. F. Bruce's original commentary but has deployed his keen exegetical skills and senses to some of the most difficult passages in the Pauline corpus. Kim's commentary on 1-2 Thessalonians is an erudite exposition that captures Paul's future expectations and exhortations to the believers in Thessalonica. A tremendous achievement in the study of these short, but immensely important letters.'
'Seyoon Kim's commentary is a stunning, magisterial achievement! It will define historical critical studies on Paul's Thessalonian letters and their connection to his overall theology for a new generation of scholars. It is more than a welcome update to F. F. Bruce's prior work but offers fresh exegetical analyses on major themes in the Thessalonian correspondence, including justification through faith, realized vs. future eschatology, the Jesus tradition in Paul's gospel, and Paul's critique of idolatry and their idolatrous systems,to name just a few. Kim brings the reader up to speed with current debates on Paul, particularly whether or not his gospel is counter-imperial, or if there is any theological development between his early and latter letters. He constructs a new historical setting (or a new Sitz im Leben) for 1 Thessalonians centering on the role of Paul's 'entry' into the city and offers a new interpretation for the 'restraining thing' and the 'restraining person' for 2 Thessalonians. Rich in insight, theologically provocative, and adeptly argued, Kim's commentary is a masterpiece. Bravo!'
'Carefully researched, carefully lays out the issues, and offers meaningful insight and explanation. This commentary will provide significant help to both pastors and scholars.'
'Mature Pauline scholar Seyoon Kim would make his mentor, F. F. Bruce, proud in this revision of Bruce's commentary. It displays the independent, incisive engagement with the biblical text and with scholarship that we have come to expect from him.'
'Thoughtful, detailed, richly engaged with contemporary discussion and debate, Seyoon Kim has produced a welcome contribution to the understanding of the Thessalonian correspondence, from which many will benefit.'
'Seyoon Kim has produced a superb commentary, exhibiting detailed historical research, rich theological exegesis, and thorough interaction with the secondary literature. Together with a volume of supplementary essays, this brilliant work represents the crowning achievement of a lifetime of careful study of the Pauline texts. It will become the standard by which all commentaries on the Thessalonian letters will be measured for many years to come.'
'Arriving at Manchester, one of the first things I noticed in my office was Seyoon Kim's justly famous Ph D thesis, in a shelf of research by F. F. Bruce's students. Kim has now greatly honored his former supervisor with a wonderful commentary, incorporating Bruce's textual notes but essentially a new work. Kim's commentary faithfully and effectively inherits both Bruce's concern for well contextualized and judicious interpretation and Bruce's skill in producing writing that will be very fruitful in the life of today's churches.'
'Seyoon Kim's 1 and 2 Thessalonians is one of the best commentaries on these letters now available. This lengthy and detailed exposition is especially strong in alerting readers to some of the latest academic treatments of various issues in the letters and in its rich exploration of the interface between these letters and Paul's wider theology.'
