A Text-Centred Rhetorical Analysis of 1 Thessalonians 3:1–5

• H.J. Prinsloo University of the Free State https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5809-8571

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7833/125-1-2353

Keywords:

Text-centred rhetorical analysis, 1 Thessalonians, Pauline Literature, Narratio

Abstract

This article analyses 1 Thessalonians 3:1–5 from a rhetorical perspective. In this article, it is suggested that, instead of the approach generally preferred by scholars to analyse the letter in terms of classical Greco-Roman rhetorical theory, a close reading of the text itself better captures Paul’s rhetorical strategy. Prinsloo (2024b:1–11) has illustrated this approach in his analysis of 1 Thessalonians. Tolmie (2005:28) defines this approach as “a text-centered descriptive analysis.” Gombis (2007:348) defines it as “a minimum theoretical approach.” First, the overall rhetorical strategy is identified, followed by an outline of the dominant and supportive arguments used by Paul, including supporting strategies, and the analysis concludes with the identification of the rhetorical techniques. This article highlights Paul's overall strategy in this phase, which involves the utilisation of the apostolic parousia, a term explained in the article, specifically in the “the sending of a collaborator” unit. It remains critical to understand the urgency of the missionaries to convey their loving concern and to encourage them to remain committed to their faith in Jesus in the light of the return of Christ.