Ethical Exhortation
Ethical Exhortation This subsection contains three distinct units: 4:1–2 , 4:3–8 , and 4:9–12 . The first contains general parenesis articulating the proposition to be demonstrated in the probate. namely, that the readers know how to conduct themselves in order to please God . The second and third subsections address issues arising in the community. The social function of this material is twofold: it helps to define the boundaries of the community (that is, what it means to be a Christ ian ) over against the dominant pagan society, while at the same time it helps to develop what Meeks (First Urban Christ ians , 100) describes as “internal cohesion” within the community. Wanamaker, Charles A. The Epistles to the Thessalonians : a Commentary on the Greek Text . Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans, 1990. Print. New International Greek Testament Commentary .