Pilgrim

I'm looking for a good sources or sources (books, websites, and personal knowled) relating to a critique and history of ! & 2 Thessalonians-points of interest are differences in eschatology, first mention by theologians and historians, contradictions and who can be quoted as stating they believe 2 isn't authentic and why. I also wouldn't mind any info you might have on the motives the writer had if it wasn't Paul. Thanks so much!

-Jay-

I strongly recommend Raymond E. Brown's Introduction to the New Testament (or via: amazon.co.uk). Fr. Brown, who passed away in 1998, was a widely respected scholar. (He was also a Catholic priest, which may or may not make a difference to you. You can read a little about him here: Raymond E. Brown).

Fr. Brown treats each NT book within its own chapter, and includes very detailed references. He addresses issues related to the authorship of each book, the dating of the book, the community to which it was written, and several other subjects.

Another good book is the late Bruce Metzger's The Canon of the New Testament: It's Origin, Development, and Significance (or via: amazon.co.uk), in which Metzger (Bruce Metzger) addresses some of the issues relating to when books within the NT were first mentioned by the so-called Apostolic Fathers.

Finally, within the broad imprint of the Anchor Bible Series, pretty darn near every book within the Bible has a commentary book.

Doubtless others will have more suggestions, and many excellent reading suggestions may be found in the sticky threads at the top of the BC&H page.

Now, one thing to keep very much in mind is that everyone has their biases. Brown was Catholic (as am I), and his Catholic perspective occasionally shows through (although he generally does a good job of identifying where). Metzger was a Presbyterian. You likely have biases of interpretation based on the tradition you grew up in. It's very difficult to shake those biases, even when you know they're present, and it makes sifting through the mountains of scholarship on Biblical history very challenging.

Finally, don't be afraid to pose questions here. You'll find that the folks around these forums have a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience to share, and many have found themselves in circumstances similar to yours.

Welcome and good luck!

regards,

NinJay