<p>1 & 2 Thessalonians stand as some of the very earliest Christian documents, and yet they appear quite late in Paul's missionary career, giving them a unique context well worth exploring.</p> <p>In this first full-scale socio-rhetorical commentary on 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Ben Witherington gleans fresh insight from reading Paul's text in the light of rhetorical concerns and patterns, early Jewish theology and the first-century historical situation in Macedonia. As with any socio-rhetorical commentary, the unique approach helps readers to unearth insights that would otherwise remain hidden using only form criticism, epistolary categories and traditional criticism. Witherington's work also features a new, clear translation of the Greek text and a thorough bibliography that pays special attention to socio-rhetorical concerns. Additionally, he details Thessalonica's place as the Metropolis of Macedonia, and carefully unpacks the social situation of Paul and his recipients. </p> <p>Scholars will cherish the careful analysis and rhetorical insights, while Witherington's clear prose and sensitivity to Paul's ideas makes <I>1 & 2 Thessalonians</I> ideal for all who desire a useful, readable commentary on this important early manuscript.</p>