Author’s Preface

The Thessalonian letters have lately begun to receive the attention due them, with several important works appearing in just the last few years. The reader who wishes for further information should consult the bibliography. I particularly recommend the commentaries by Abraham Malherbe, Gene Green, and Gordon Fee; the collection of essays edited by Raymond F. Collins, The Thessalonian Correspondence, is likewise a precious resource.

I am especially delighted to see the amount of interest being given to Christian mission and pastoral ministry in these two letters. If the time I have spent in study has taught me anything, it is that I should put my books aside for a while and imitate the apostle:

• • to make myself more available to speak to groups, no matter their size
• • to find a handful of brothers and serve as their mentor
• • to take a more active role in personal evangelism
• • to participate in work projects that tangibly show Christ’s love
• • above all, to pray for the advance of the gospel

Among the contributors to this series, there are a number of alumni from my alma mater. I feel privileged to be included among them. Like the apostle, you exert a constant pressure on me to serve our Lord with excellence.

For those who have given me their valuable suggestions, many thanks: Jimmy Snowden, Fred Zaspel, Bill Isley, Pastor Steve Dyson, Brent McNamara, David Macario, and Fred Putnam. And, of course, many thanks to the general editor, Clinton Arnold, to acquisitions editor Katya Covrett, and to production editor Verlyn D. Verbrugge.

Thanks to our fellow missionaries at WorldVenture, our supporters, and to my friends and colleagues at Seminario ESEPA of Costa Rica, for their encouragement and for being so understanding about my writing ministry: gracias, compañeros y compañeras.

This is for you, Karen, remembering everything you are and everything you do.

Glory to God!

GARY STEVEN SHOGREN

Summer, 2011