Callia Rulmu, «Between Ambition and Quietism: the Socio-political Background of 1 Thessalonians 4,9-12», Vol. 91 (2010) 393-417
Assuming the Christian group of Thessalonica to be a professional voluntary association of hand-workers (probably leatherworkers), this paper argues that 1 Thessalonians in general, and especially the injunction to «keep quiet» (4,11), indicates Paul’s apprehension regarding how Roman rulers, city dwellers, and Greek oligarchies would perceive an association converted to an exclusive cult and eager to actively participate in the redistribution of the city resources. Paul, concerned about a definite practical situation rather than a philosophically or even theologically determined attitude, delivered precise counsel to the Thessalonians to take a stance of political quietism as a survival strategy.
Between Ambition and Quietism:
the Socio-political Background of 1 Thessalonians 4,9-12
Scholars have made several attempts to determine the social status
of the Thessalonian Christian community. However it is evident
from ongoing discussion that consensus has not been reached on
the character of this small group (were they mostly Jews 1 or
Gentiles 2 ? were they urban poor 3 or “not necessarily poor artisan
workers †4 ? were they well acquainted with Hellenistic Jewish
philosophy 5 or more exposed to the philosophical reflections of
Greek moralists? 6 ). There is also disagrement regarding the nature
of Paul’s advices to his fellow believers in Thessalonica: some
imagine Paul to be worried by the Christian Thessalonians, by then
idle people waiting for the imminent parousia 7, or at least a
community in which some idle members made a nuisance of
themselves by exploiting the brotherly love of their fellow
Christians 8. Others, taking a cue from Paul’s parenesis and
instructions, think more of a persecuted church 9, or of a charismatic
G. MILLIGAN, St. Paul’s Epistles to the Thessalonians. The Greek Text
1
with Introduction and Notes (London 1908) 54-55.
A.J. MALHERBE, The Letters to the Thessalonians. A New Translation
2
with Introduction and Commentary (AB32b; New York 2000) 62-65;
R.S. ASCOUGH, “The Thessalonian Christian Community as a Professional
Voluntary Associationâ€, JBL 119 (2000) 312-313.
R.F. HOCK, The Social Context of Paul’s Ministry. Tentmaking and Apo-
3
stleship (Philadelphia, PA 1980) 44-45.
MALHERBE, The Letters, 65.
4
C.J. ROETZEL, “Theodidaktoi and Handwork in Philo and I Thessalo-
5
nians â€, L’Apôtre Paul: personnalité, style et conception du ministère (ed.
A. VANHOYE) (BETL 73 ; Leuven 1986) 327.
HOCK, The Social Context, 44-45; E.J. RICHARD, First and Second
6
Thessalonians (Sacra Pagina 11; Collegeville, PA 1995) 219-220.
B. RIGAUX, Les épîtres aux Thessaloniciens (EB ; Paris 1956) 519-521;
7
Roetzel, “Theodidaktoiâ€, 324-331.
C.R. NICHOLL, From Hope to Despair in Thessalonica. Situating 1 and 2
8
Thessalonians (SNTS 126; Cambridge 2004) 104.
C.A. WANAMAKER, The Epistles to the Thessalonians: A commentary
9
on the Greek Text (NIGTC ; Grand Rapids, MI 1990) 164.
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