I Thessalonians 2:1-8, the Second Reading appointed for the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost, is a peculiar passage in that it fits none of the usual categories of lectionary texts. In simple terms it is a testimony or a defense of Paul's call to preach the gospel. In that is an implicit message that God's gospel is a treasure worthy of all the blood, sweat, and tears we can put into it. That might be precisely the message the preacher is authorized to share in this sermon.
(The following questions are not meant to be exhaustive, but are best used in conjunction with other fine sets of questions available to exegetes. These questions have been formulated to unearth the function of the Word in the text, a fundamental concern of Law and Gospel preachers. For more on this method and Law and Gospel preaching in general, see my brief guide, Afflicting the Comfortable, Comforting the Afflicted, available from wipfandstock.com and amazon.)
1. How does the Word function in the text? This passage, at first glance, seems to be about Paul. Upon further examination, there are many references to "the gospel of God." Paul says that he speaks the gospel "in spite of great opposition." (vs. 2). He says he has been "approved by God to be entrusted with the message of the gospel." (vs. 4). Finally he says that he is "determined to share" not only the gospel of God, but "also our own selves." (v. 8). What is implicit here is that the gospel is an immeasurable treasure. That is a gospel function.
2. How is the Word not functioning in the text? There is really no word of Law here, any word which exposes our need for Christ. Many pitfalls are lifted up, things that could be false motivations for preaching the gospel, but Paul is not accusing anyone of these things.
3. With whom are you identifying in the text? We are left to identify with the author of this text, St. Paul, although few of us have any idea of the kind of violence and resistance he faced in preaching the gospel.
4. What, if any, call to obedience is there in this text? If one takes Paul as an example, the case might be made that this entire passage is a call to obedience. If that is the case, then the implicit call to obedience is, "Do as I am doing." That might be implied, but it is clearly not the primary function of the Word in this passage.
5. What Law/Gospel couplet is suggested by this text? Because this is such a unique text, couplets require some imagination. A few suggestions: law valued/gospel valued; fear/faith.
6. Exegetical work: Beverly Roberts Gaventa, in her commentary, has an interesting observation. She notes that the word translated "gentle" in verse 7 can also be translated "infant." The word is translated "gentle" most often because it flows better with what follows, the description of a nurse caring for a child. Gaventa points out, however, that "infant" makes sense if one considers what precedes this verse. Gaventa writes: "It may well be, then, that Paul wrote 'infants' rather than 'gentle.' That is, the apostles were not 'heavies,' making much of themselves through various demands (v. 7a), but were as unassuming among the Thessalonians as infants." (Interpretation series, First and Second Thessalonians, p. 27). When Paul goes on, in verse 8, to describe how he is willing to share his own life, again we hear the willingness to risk everything for the gospel. The vulnerability of a child would also fit this description. One other translation note is in verse 8: the word translated "our own selves" is from the Greek word psyche, which is also well translated as "our very lives." This might speak more clearly to how much of a treasure the gospel is.
7. Consider the insights of the pioneers of the New Homiletic? Helping listeners experience the text was always the central concern of Fred Craddock. In this text, a preacher might ask, "How can I help people experience the precious nature of the gospel?" That might just be the thing that needs to be said.
Blessings on your proclamation!
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