The Time Is Near

The Time is Near
Almost half of the books in the New Testament are either written or influenced by Paul of Tarsus. The thirteen books accredited to Paul are divided into lesser categories: hisundisputed epistles, the Deutero-Pauline epistles, and the Pastoral letters. Nearly all scholars agree that Paul authored 1 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Romans, Philemon, andPhilippians. The Deutero-Pauline letters – Colossians, Ephesians, and 2 Thessalonians – raise debate though concerning authorship. The style of the letters, as well as more concise theology, conflict with Paul’sprevious letters. Throughout the Deutero-Pauline epistles, the themes of eschatology and salvation develop, both theologically and syntactically, to demonstrate the evolving idea of the end time.Paul emphasizes the importance of eschatology in his early works, such as 1 Thessalonians and 1 Corinthians. His use of paraenesis in these letters sets up close, familiar relations with the people ofThessalonica and Corinth. With the trust that he establishes, Paul is able to warn them to “await His Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus, who delivers us from the coming wrath.” (1Thess 1:10). In addition to the coming wrath of God, Paul also was concerned about Christ’s nearing return. “And he reassured ruptured families that they could look forward to the imminent return ofChrist when they would join with those who torn from their embrace by death.” (Roetzel 90). Not only did people believe in this imminent expectation, but they also looked to Christ’s return for theirsalvation. “Therefore do not make any judgment before the appointed time for he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness… and then everyone will receive praise from God.” (1 Cor 4:5). On a set day,Christ will return to save everyone who believes in Him. In much of earlier works, Paul’s tone alludes to the Day of the Lord, on the horizon, in which Christ will return.
The tone in the...