The Zondervan Exegetical Commentary is quickly becoming one of my favorite commentary series. The format is ideal for pastors or students and easy to follow. It yields great insight from the type of work scholars do and good theology that you might expect from a pastor. Don’t let the Greek scare you off as the English is always nearby and all arguments can be followed without difficulty.

Thessalonians is given treatment by scholar Gary Shogren. His Introduction begins with an exciting portrait of the birth of the Thessalonian church and the events of Paul’s ministry surrounding it. The description of Thessalonica is vividly told. A few pages in he even described life in that church and it felt like you were there. His telling of the treatment of Jews there further brought it to life.

He took on critical issues next and well described what has been believed. He was more generous than I could have been toward some of them, but you gained an awareness of the swirling of the scholarly world on Thessalonians. His own conclusions were conservative.

Some may not like his section on eschatology. Of course there’s enough eschatology in it that any commentator will have to disappoint somebody, but he was a little harsh toward those who believe in a pre-tribulational rapture. That section is followed by a detailed outline and a select bibliography.

The commentary was good as Shrogen obviously felt comfortable with the distinct ZECNT style. You will not find it shallow.

I recommend this to pastors and students seeking real help on Thessalonians.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.