ABSTRACT
Putting new questions to a familiar text often allows it to be seen in a fresh way, as the questions reveal dimensions of the text not previously considered. Paul’s ethical instructions in 1 Thess. 4:3-8 have received considerable attention, but they have not been read in light of the ascetic trends that were gaining influence at the time that Paul founded a Christian community at Thessalonica. Accordingly, this chapter evaluates 1 Thess 4:3-8 in terms of these contemporary ascetic trends.
