Paul’s letters were written before any other Christian texts, even the gospels. And the earliest text of all is 1 Thessalonians. This new English translation is both intelligible and true to the meaning of the original Greek text. In the accompanying commentary, Lüdemann engages critically with the theology of the early Paul, including Paul’s virulent attacks on circumcision and other Jewish practices. Readers desiring a more in-depth study will find detailed appendices on Pauline chronology and later letters.

Publisher: Polebridge Press

Publication date: November 2013

ISBN: 978-1-59815-133-6
Number of pages: 152
Format: Paperback

Subject:
Early Christianites
Apostle Paul
Anti-Semitism
Pauline theology

“In a lucid analysis which pays careful attention to nuances of the text, Professor Lüdemann situates Paul’s earliest letter in the very first phase of emerging Christianity. This is historical scholarship at its best. The book deserves to be studied by scholars and laypeople alike.”
—Heikki Räisänen, Professor emeritus, Academy of Finland

“Gerd Lüdemann has once again demonstrated his abilities in textual and historical analysis. He highlights the importance of 1 Thessalonians as the first written document in early Christianity, dating it a decade earlier than most have supposed. Readers will find the book intelligent in its style, important in its content, and penetrating in its analyses.”
—Eugene TeSelle, Professor emeritus, Vanderbilt University

“A masterful exegetical discussion of the earliest of Paul’s letters, readable for scholars, pastors and laypeople alike. Lüdemann plumbs the depths of the letter so vital to studies of the Second Coming of Jesus, and to that much awaited rapture made popular by the Left Behind series. Eager readers of all kinds will find this book engaging, informative and useful.”
—Kathleen Corley, Professor, University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh