A Discourse Analysis of First and Second Thessalonians

The Relationship between Two Authentic Pauline Letters

Series: 

Author:
Sungmin Kim
Applying discourse analysis within the framework of Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), this study offers a fresh reexamination of the textual and contextual relationship between First and Second Thessalonians. Through register analysis—a key component of SFL discourse analysis—it uncovers a unified linguistic profile across both letters, characterized by pastoral consistency, relational coherence, and structural clarity. By challenging traditional assumptions of textual and situational divergence, it offers a linguistically grounded evaluation of the Pauline authorship debate concerning the Thessalonian correspondence. Combining methodological rigor with accessibility, the study invites readers in New Testament studies, biblical linguistics, and early Christian discourse to engage these foundational Pauline letters—textually, contextually, and with renewed insight.
Copyright Year:
2026
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Published
ISBN:
978-90-04-74584-1
Publication:
13 Oct 2025
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Published
ISBN:
978-90-04-74583-4
Publication:
30 Oct 2025
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Sungmin Kim, Ph.D. (McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ontario), is a lecturer at Chongshin University in Seoul. He specializes in New Testament studies, with a research focus on Greek grammar, discourse analysis, and Pauline theology.
Abbreviations

1 Introduction
 1 Framing the Debate
 2 Reframing the Authorship Debate through a Linguistic Lens
 3 Establishing the Argument
 4 Outlining the Study

2 Major Arguments in the Authorship Debate of Second Thessalonians in Its Relationship with First Thessalonians
 1 Preliminary Considerations
 2 The Difference in Eschatology between First and Second Thessalonians
 3 The Difference in Tone between First and Second Thessalonians
 4 The Literary Similarity between First and Second Thessalonians
 5 The Emphatic Authenticating Comment of 2 Thess 3:17
 6 Concluding Remarks

3 A Theory of Register within Systemic Functional Linguistics for Discourse Analysis of First and Second Thessalonians
 1 Preliminary Considerations
 2 Defining Register in Systemic Functional Linguistics
 3 Analyzing Registers of First and Second Thessalonians
 4 Concluding Remarks

4 Analysis of First Thessalonians
 1 Preliminary Considerations
 2 Paul’s Commitment to Maintaining and Strengthening Relational Ties with the Thessalonian Believers (1 Thess 1:1–10)
 3 Paul’s Reminder of His Ministry among the Thessalonians (1 Thess 2:1–13)
 4 Paul’s Account of His Ongoing Pastoral Ministry in His Absence from the Thessalonians (1 Thess 2:14–3:8)
 5 Paul’s Intercessory Prayer for the Thessalonians (1 Thess 3:9–13)
 6 Paul’s Exhortations on Holiness to the Thessalonians (1 Thess 4:1–8)
 7 Paul’s Exhortations on Brotherly Love to the Thessalonians (1 Thess 4:9–12)
 8 Paul’s Exhortations on Those Who Sleep in Death to the Thessalonians (1 Thess 4:13–18)
 9 Paul’s Exhortations on the Day of the Lord to the Thessalonians (1 Thess 5:1–22)
 10 Paul’s Intercessory Prayer for the Thessalonians (1 Thess 5:23–24)
 11 Paul’s Closing Remarks and Farewell Greetings (1 Thess 5:25–28)
 12 Metafunctional and Situational Features in the Language of First Thessalonians

5 Analysis of Second Thessalonians
 1 Paul’s Commitment to Maintaining and Strengthening Relational Ties with the Thessalonian Believers (2 Thess 1:1–12)
 2 Paul’s Instructions on the Day of The Lord to the Thessalonians (2 Thess 2:1–15)
 3 Paul’s Intercessory Prayer for the Thessalonians and Prayer Requests (2 Thess 2:16–3:5)
 4 Paul’s Exhortations to the Thessalonians Concerning Brothers Who Are Idle (2 Thess 3:6–15)
 5 Paul’s Intercessory Prayer for the Thessalonians (2 Thess 3:16)
 6 Paul’s Closing Remarks and Farewell Greetings (2 Thess 3:17–18)
 7 Metafunctional and Situational Features in the Language of Second Thessalonians

6 Conclusion
 1 A Linguistic Perspective on the Authorship Debate
 2 Metafunctional Patterns of Meaning Construction in First and Second Thessalonians
 3 Register of First and Second Thessalonians
 4 Evaluating the Arguments in the Authorship Debate
 5 Rethinking Authorship Criteria

Bibliography
Index of Modern Authors
Index of Ancient Sources
This volume is aimed at scholars and postgraduate students in New Testament studies, Pauline authorship debates, biblical Greek linguistics, discourse analysis; academic libraries; theological and religious studies departments.
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