Paul and the Parousia: An Exegetical and Theological Investigation

Description: Surprisingly there has never been a comprehensive exegetical study in English of Saint Pauls view of the second coming or Parousia of Christ. In this methodical analysis Joseph Plevnik brings nearly three decades of research to bear on the question of Pauls understanding of this most central tenet of the whole Christ event. With careful attention to the concepts and terms underlying the notion of the Lords coming Plevnik examines the key Pauline texts such as 1 Thess 5:1-11 and 1 Cor 15:23-28. Plevnik then constructs a viable theological interpretation of the great Christian hope including the language of hope Christs parousia and judgment conflict at Christs return the place of the church and Pauls apocalyptic theology. This volume will be indispensable for any study of Pauline theology the Parousia the theology of hope and apocalypticism. It is my hope that the book will be not only a scholarly contribution on the topic but also of some personal value to the reader and to the preacher. It may provide a timely reading at the close of the second millennium. The times and seasons however are not for us to determine but a proper preparedness for the Lords coming is the message of the New Testament and of Paul in particular. If the Lords coming may no longer be said to be near it can still be desired. Marana tha. --Preface