The Authenticity of 2 Thessalonians (Paternoster Biblical Monographs)

This is a clear and well-argued work for the authenticity of 2 Thessalonians. Following a critical examination of the history of the dispute, the author examines the life and epistle of the earliest external witness, Polycarp, to show that 2 Thessalonians was accepted as authentically Pauline about AD 90. Through a careful reading of the letter MacDougall demonstrates that 'tradition' (2 Thess. 2:15; 3:6) is a characteristic of the undisputed letters of Paul, that the doctrinal content - eschatology and imitation - is Pauline, and that the letter's style is authentic. A rigorous defence of the letter is long overdue. MacDougall provides a seminal work on the subject.