The renewed interest in 1 Thessalonians over the past two decades has been extraordinary. While exegetical labors have been immense, little consensus has been reached with regard to the purpose and intention of this, Paul's first letter and the earliest extant Christian document. This new volume is meant to introduce readers to the scope and nature of the current debate on 1 Thessalonians. Written by several of today's top scholars of 1 Thessalonians, these important essays explore the difficult exegetical challenges that 1 Thessalonians presents to contemporary readers and illustrate the diverse methodological approaches presently being used to interpret this important New Testament letter. Contributors: Joh annes Beutler Raymond F. Collins Karl P. Donfried Traugott Holtz Rudolf Hoppe Frank W. Hughes Edgar Krentz Jan Lambrecht Otto Merk Johannes Schoon- Janßen Johan S. Vos Charles A. Wanamaker Jeffrey A. D. Weima