'Seyoon Kim's commentary is a stunning, magisterial achievement! It will define historical critical studies on Paul's Thessalonian letters and their connection to his overall theology for a new generation of scholars. It is more than a welcome update to F. F. Bruce's prior work but offers fresh exegetical analyses on major themes in the Thessalonian correspondence, including justification through faith, realized vs. future eschatology, the Jesus tradition in Paul's gospel, and Paul's critique of idolatry and their idolatrous systems,to name just a few. Kim brings the reader up to speed with current debates on Paul, particularly whether or not his gospel is counter-imperial, or if there is any theological development between his early and latter letters. He constructs a new historical setting (or a new Sitz im Leben) for 1 Thessalonians centering on the role of Paul's 'entry' into the city and offers a new interpretation for the 'restraining thing' and the 'restraining person' for 2 Thessalonians. Rich in insight, theologically provocative, and adeptly argued, Kim's commentary is a masterpiece.

Bravo!'.