These well-known and striking words, found in 2 Thess. 3:10, have been widely used (and perhaps even more widely mis-used!) in practical theology. It is not the primary purpose of this article however, to attempt to apply this injunction to Christians in the contemporary work environment. Rather, I wish to look at some of the exciting chiastic structures which are to be found in the context of the surrounding verses, namely, 2 Thess. 2:17-3:15, and to see if analysing these structures can help us get a better idea of what Paul was likely “aiming at” in writing in this way to the Thessalonians.
This article is actually chapter 4 of my book Chiastic Structures in the Interpretation of Scripture, but it is presented here as a Word document, and it can be accessed by clicking on the link below.
I really hope you will enjoy this article – I think it really illustrates the care and skill with which Paul uses “structure” to enhance the arguments that he is putting forwards to the Thessalonian believers.
Please let me know what you think!
Categories: Chiastic and Other Structures, New Testament Exegesis
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