Reading for August 26th

Read I Thessalonians 2.13-16 In 2.13-16: The Suffering of the Thessalonians. The anit-Jewish tone is uncharacteristic of paul,but there is no evidence that it was inserted later, and is not directed at all Jews. Debate and angry arguementbetween jews occur injewish writings of the time (see Josepheus, Antiquites 1.15.91; Philo, Cherubim 17). paul's point is his ministry success despite opposition. The passage functions like a hinge in reminding the Thessalonians how they suffered in receiving the word (2.14. see 1.6) and in foreshadowing Paul's account of his separation fromthe community (2.17-3.13). In verse 16: God's wrath perhaps as actual event,but given the survival of the Judean churches and the Thessalonians, more likely that God at last has prevented opponents (some Jews and some gentiles) from destroying them. Comments or Questions..