The First Christian Letters

"Rafael Rodriguez draws readers into the world of the oft-neglected letters of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, and in so doing, shows us how these tiny letters help us think more clearly about our own world."

--Matthew Thiessen, associate professor of religious studies, McMaster University



"Rafael Rodriguez's accessible, engaging study of 1 and 2 Thessalonians offers a historically accurate and pastorally sensitive reading of Paul's letters that both corrects the frequent antisemitic stereotypes found in Christian preaching and shows how ancient texts can speak to present contexts. An enormous achievement."

--Amy-Jill Levine, distinguished professor of New Testament and Jewish studies, Hartford International University for Religion and Peace



"With uncommonly engaging prose, good humor, and a practically attuned eye, Rafael Rodriguez demonstrates how two unfamiliar letters written to a tiny ancient church about their own matters speaks relevantly to readers two thousand years later. Rodriguez's analysis refreshingly avoids both the shibboleths associated with today's party extremes and unreflective acceptance of our culture's philosophical and moral trends, and listens for guidance to a biblical text that often challenges our biases, beliefs, and personal practices. A highly recommended read."

--Timothy Brookins, professor of early Christianity, Houston Christian University