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Acta Theologica

On-line version ISSN 2309-9089
Print version ISSN 1015-8758

Acta theol. vol.28 n.1 Bloemfontein Jun. 2008

 

The eschatology of 1 Thessalonians in the light of its spirituality

 

 

P.G.R. de Villiers

Professor Extraordinarius in Biblical Spirituality, Department of New Testament, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein. E-mail: pgdevilliers@mweb.co.za

 

 


ABSTRACT

This article investigates the eschatology of 1 Thessalonians from the perspective of its spirituality. It first analyses the way in which eschatology suits and reflects its Thessalonian context and the conversion of the Thessalonians. Secondly, it analyses how past events are presented in light of their final spiritual journey. Thirdly, it describes the present situation in Thessalonica and, fourthly, the future in terms of God's ultimate soteriological and judicial actions for humanity. The article concludes with a discussion of the mystical nature of eschatology and the specific pronouncements about the future transformation of believers.

Keywords: Spirituality, Eschatology, 1 Thessalonians, Paul


Trefwoorde: Spiritualiteit, Eskatologie, 1 Tessalonisense, Paulus


 

 

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