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The Practice of Hope: Ideology and Intention in 1 Thessalonians . By
Author(s) -
Ascough Richard S.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
religious studies review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.1
H-Index - 1
eISSN - 1748-0922
pISSN - 0319-485X
DOI - 10.1111/rsr.12084_25
Subject(s) - fortress (chess) , queen (butterfly) , ideology , theology , sociology , philosophy , politics , law , political science , hymenoptera , botany , biology
a fresh and accessible format, intended for pastors, church leaders, and Bible teachers. The commentary is filled with sidebars on various related topics and sprinkled throughout with works of art. In a sense, the commentary format is designed as highly eclectic and visually engaging, satisfying the needs and expectations of modern readers. The result is not distracting or overwhelming, but rather attractive to the eye, and will prove helpful and useful for pastors and church leaders. Following commentary on each section of the text of Ephesians, Thomas Slater includes discussions of various topics (“Connections”) that provide applications of the text for the life of contemporary Christian discipleship. Regarding authorship, Slater argues that Ephesians was written not by Paul, but by a follower of Paul sometime after his death. Unlike Romans and Galatians, which are direct and to the point, demanding that readers make decisions, Ephesians is elaborative and takes its time to develop its points theologically. Slater discusses other options regarding the authorship of the letter, however, and gives each viewpoint a fair hearing. In Slater’s view, the letter is written to help Christian congregations understand their organic connection to Judaism, and thus help mixed congregations understand how to live together as Jewish and non-Jewish believers. Slater’s introduction also includes robust discussions of various theological topics addressed in the letter. Regarding Paul’s autobiographical comments in Ephesians 3, Slater argues that the author is filling in his readers on Paul’s ministry in ways that will make them heed his message. Not everyone will be satisfied with his explanation, as it is difficult to imagine how such autobiographical comments could come from someone writing in Paul’s name. Slater’s discussion of the ethical section of Ephesians, especially the household code, will prove very helpful for teachers. He analyzes the structure helpfully, noting the relationship of Eph 5:21 as a hinge between major sections. His discussion here is an example of how the volume fulfills the aims of the series, bringing scholarly discussions to bear in ways that are helpful for pastors and teachers of the Bible in the church.