1 & 2 Thessalonians: A Life in Letters, Johannes W. H. van der Bijl. Langham Global Library (ISBN: 9781786410962) 2025.

Summary A narrative commentary based on Acts and 1 and 2 Thessalonians, on the first half of Paul’s second missionary journey.

Last summer, I had the chance to review a delightful commentary on Galatians by cross-cultural missionary Johannes W. H. van der Bijl. Rather than offering the traditional verse by verse exegesis of Galatians, he explored the historical and cultural backdrop and the context and composition of the letter through a first person, imaginative narrative. Now he brings the same approach to 1 and 2 Thessalonians. For context, he covers the first half of Paul’s second missionary journey. On this, he is accompanied at various points by Silas, Timothy, Luke Aquila, and Priscilla. Much of the book is set in Corinth around 50-51 AD, as Paul ministered, made tents with Aquila and Priscilla, and took in the news from Timothy, who had returned from a follow-up visit to the young church at Thessalonica.

But the narrative begins with Paul’s report back to the Jerusalem believers and the growing tension between Paul and Barnabas over the latter’s cousin, John Mark. All this comes to head in Antioch as they plan a second mission journey. We learn the reasons Paul does not want john Mark to go. Therefore, Barnabas decides not to accompany Paul either, taking John Mark with him. Subsequently, Paul learns from Silas that his apprehensions about John Mark were in error. Some of this represents creative and plausible filling out of what is left unsaid in the biblical narrative. The author also suggests this may contribute to his warmhearted treatment of Timothy, who joins Paul’s group after believing during their visit to Lystra.

We hear of Paul’s uncertainty as they travel through Asia minor, Paul’s dream, the journey to Troas and Philippi. There, they stay with Lydia who believes, until Paul and Silas are beaten and imprisoned. This leads to the conversion of the jailer and his household. Then they reach Thessalonica, where many Jews and Greeks gladly believe. A mob attack on Jason, their host forces their departure. Van der Bijl brings in the risks that unrest bring to the city’s favored status with Rome. They receive another warm reception in Berea until unbelieving Thessalonian Jews attack them. The believers send Paul to Athens while lower profile Silas and Timothy stay behind. They briefly rejoin Paul in Athens. Then Silas goes to Philippi and Timothy back to Thessalonica to instruct the young believers. They agree to meet in Corinth, a leading city of Achaia.

At Corinth, Paul has joined forces with Aquila and Priscilla as God has opened doors for ministry. The return to Corinth and Timothy’s report occasions the letter, for which Silas serves as scribe. The narrative gives us a glimpse of letter writing practice. Paul dictates, Silas drafts, with consultation with others, and Paul approves the product. The first letter encourages the faithful believers, defends Paul’s ministry against accusers and discusses how they ought to live as they await Christ’s return. He addresses matters of faith love, and morality, including sexual morality. Then he sends Timothy off to deliver and explain the letter.

On Timothy’s return, Paul learns of problems in Thessalonica with idlers, speculations, and misunderstandings about their dead and the return of Christ. Paul writes a second letter (c. 51 AD) to address these matters, dispatching Timothy and Silas on another follow-up journey. The narrative concludes with the attacks that lead to Paul’s departure from Corinth.

The narrative approach helps us understand the unique characteristics of each city on their journeys. We understand the animus of the Jews and the concerns about suppressing unrest. We also get a fuller portrait of Timothy as a young man with an appetite, athletic, and wise beyond his years to instruct believers. The household hosted by Aquila and Priscilla embodies a place of rich mission team life. We are also given to understand the concerns Paul sought to address in each letter. Short biographies at the end of the book of key figures in the narrative help us keep all the names straight.

Above all, van der Bijl sets the letters in the context of Paul’s second missionary journey through the use of narrative. We often read without this context, missing much of the subtleties in the content. I look forward to future installments of this series. These are great for devotional reading, a wonderful adjunct to more traditional commentaries, and a great help to new readers of the Bible.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

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