In addition to its other peculiarities, First Thessalonians features a relatively high number of faith terms. Apart from the paraenetical section, the remaining parts of the letter contain faith terminology in their various literary contexts, primarily in the genitival expression “your faith” in reference to the personal faith of the Thessalonians. This article, an exegetical study based on the principles of epistolary, rhetorical, and semantic approach, offers an analysis of the faith terminology of First Thessalonians, followed by a brief reflection on faith in light of the exegetical results. Its main conclusion suggests that good reasons exist for viewing Paul’s first writing as a letter of faith.
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