Paul’s Pastoral Preaching in 1 Thessalonians

The primary aim of this dissertation is to demonstrate that Paul’s pastoral preaching in 1 Thessalonians, which is based on his theological and ethical triad of faith, love, and hope, can afford a biblical, theological, and practical guide for pastoral preaching. Chapter 1 introduces two purposes of preaching by presenting a distinction between evangelistic and pastoral preaching. Indicating that the pastoral aspects of the sermon have gradually diminished in recent years, it proposes Paul’s preaching in 1 Thessalonians as an appropriate model for pastoral preaching. Chapter 2 explores the soteriological aspects of Paul’s pastoral preaching. This chapter examines Paul’s doctrine of salvation, his gospel ethic of faith, and his discipline of receiving the Word. Based on Paul’s soteriology and ethical exhortation to faith, it identifies that Paul’s pastoral preaching is Bible-centered. Chapter 3 presents the ecclesiological features of Paul’s pastoral preaching. This chapter surveys Paul’s view of the church, his gospel ethic of love, and his spiritual practice of prayer. Based on Paul’s ecclesiology and ethical encouragement to love, it indicates that Paul’s pastoral preaching is relationship-based. Chapter 4 discusses eschatological elements of Paul’s pastoral preaching. It documents Paul’s doctrine of last things, his gospel ethics of hope, and his understanding of suffering in the Christian life. Based on Paul’s eschatology and his ethical exhortation to hope, it demonstrates that Paul’s pastoral preaching is audience-focused. Chapter 5 provides helpful implications to imitate Paul’s pastoral preaching in contemporary pulpits. This chapter explores both the role of the preacher and the role of the Holy Spirit in pastoral preaching. It also offers preaching as spiritual formation and leading for church leaders. Chapter 6 summarizes the overall arguments established in the previous chapters and concludes that Paul’s pastoral preaching in 1 Thessalonians, which is expositional (Bible-centered), ecclesiological (relationship-based), and eschatological (audience-focused), proposes a clear vision for pastoral preaching.

Grantor dc:publisher

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Park, MinWoo

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• York, Hershael W.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10392/7656

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.sbts.edu:10392/7656