A Discourse Analysis of First and Second Thessalonians : The Relationship between Two Authentic Pauline Letters / Sungmin Kim.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Kim, Sungmin, author.

Series:

Biblical Studies, Ancient Near East and Early Christianity E-Books Online, Collection 2026.

Linguistic Biblical Studies ; 30.

Biblical Studies, Ancient Near East and Early Christianity E-Books Online, Collection 2026

Linguistic Biblical Studies ; 30

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Biblical Interpretations.

Reformation texts with translation (1350-1650). Biblical studies.

Reformation texts with translation (1350-1650).

Languages and Linguistics.

Morphology & Syntax.

New Testament & Early Christian Writings.

Pragmatics & Discourse Analysis.

Religion in Antiquity.

Religious Studies.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (318 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Other Title:

The Relationship between Two Authentic Pauline Letters

Place of Publication:

Leiden ; Boston : Brill, 2026.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Applying discourse analysis within the framework of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), this study offers a fresh reexamination of the textual and contextual relationship between First and Second Thessalonians. Through register analysis, it uncovers a unified linguistic profile across both letters—marked by pastoral consistency, relational coherence, and structural clarity. Challenging traditional assumptions of textual and situational divergence, it provides a linguistically grounded reassessment of Pauline authorship. With a methodologically rigorous yet accessible approach, this study invites readers in New Testament studies, biblical linguistics, and early Christian discourse to revisit these foundational letters—textually, contextually, and with renewed insight.

Contents:

Abbreviations

1 Introduction

1 Framing the Debate

2 Reframing the Authorship Debate through a Linguistic Lens

3 Establishing the Argument

4 Outlining the Study

2 Major Arguments in the Authorship Debate of Second Thessalonians in Its Relationship with First Thessalonians

1 Preliminary Considerations

2 The Difference in Eschatology between First and Second Thessalonians

3 The Difference in Tone between First and Second Thessalonians

4 The Literary Similarity between First and Second Thessalonians

5 The Emphatic Authenticating Comment of 2 Thess 3:17

6 Concluding Remarks

3 A Theory of Register within Systemic Functional Linguistics for Discourse Analysis of First and Second Thessalonians

2 Defining Register in Systemic Functional Linguistics

3 Analyzing Registers of First and Second Thessalonians

4 Concluding Remarks

4 Analysis of First Thessalonians

2 Paul’s Commitment to Maintaining and Strengthening Relational Ties with the Thessalonian Believers (1 Thess 1:1–10)

3 Paul’s Reminder of His Ministry among the Thessalonians (1 Thess 2:1–13)

4 Paul’s Account of His Ongoing Pastoral Ministry in His Absence from the Thessalonians (1 Thess 2:14–3:8)

5 Paul’s Intercessory Prayer for the Thessalonians (1 Thess 3:9–13)

6 Paul’s Exhortations on Holiness to the Thessalonians (1 Thess 4:1–8)

7 Paul’s Exhortations on Brotherly Love to the Thessalonians (1 Thess 4:9–12)

8 Paul’s Exhortations on Those Who Sleep in Death to the Thessalonians (1 Thess 4:13–18)

9 Paul’s Exhortations on the Day of the Lord to the Thessalonians (1 Thess 5:1–22)

10 Paul’s Intercessory Prayer for the Thessalonians (1 Thess 5:23–24)

11 Paul’s Closing Remarks and Farewell Greetings (1 Thess 5:25–28)

12 Metafunctional and Situational Features in the Language of First Thessalonians

5 Analysis of Second Thessalonians

1 Paul’s Commitment to Maintaining and Strengthening Relational Ties with the Thessalonian Believers (2 Thess 1:1–12)

2 Paul’s Instructions on the Day of The Lord to the Thessalonians (2 Thess 2:1–15)

3 Paul’s Intercessory Prayer for the Thessalonians and Prayer Requests (2 Thess 2:16–3:5)

4 Paul’s Exhortations to the Thessalonians Concerning Brothers Who Are Idle (2 Thess 3:6–15)

5 Paul’s Intercessory Prayer for the Thessalonians (2 Thess 3:16)

6 Paul’s Closing Remarks and Farewell Greetings (2 Thess 3:17–18)

7 Metafunctional and Situational Features in the Language of Second Thessalonians

6 Conclusion

1 A Linguistic Perspective on the Authorship Debate

2 Metafunctional Patterns of Meaning Construction in First and Second Thessalonians

3 Register of First and Second Thessalonians

4 Evaluating the Arguments in the Authorship Debate

5 Rethinking Authorship Criteria

Bibliography

Index of Modern Authors

Index of Ancient Sources.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

90-04-74584-X

9789004745841

OCLC:

1545637348

Publisher Number:

10.1163/9789004745841 DOI