Paul's Salutations

Prof. Beale:

It is generally acknowledged that Paul's introductory thanksgivings (and pray/blessing) contain the major themes to be developed throughout the epistle and that Paul's conclusions have the similar function of summarizing these major themes (see O'Brien, 1977; Weima, 1994).

—G. K. Beale, 1–2 Thessalonians (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2003), 24.

We Resemble What We Revere, either for Ruin or for Restoration

Professor G. K. Beale's recent work "We Become [Like] What We Worship" looks at the story of Israel's sin through the lens of Isa. 6. And Israel's sin, so Beale argues, was essentially idol worship. The main thesis of the study is this: "What people revere, they resemble, either for ruin or restoration."

If one were to read nothing more than the section in the introduction on Professor Beale's interpretive approach, money will have been well spent. Beale is a master interpreter, especially when it comes to canonical interpretation, biblical theology, and Old in the New material. But he also handles a slice of the textual data (this study does not purport to be exhaustive) on idolatry with a good exegetical and theological grasp. It is meaty and salutary instruction. My recommendation: take up, and read.