Resurrection According to Paul

This study examines the impact the apocalyptic tradition contained in I Thessalonians 4:16-17a had on the development of Paul's understanding of resurrection. It corrects the prevailing view that his understanding arose primarily from his experience of having seen the risen Christ. It examines traditional views of resurrection which Paul inherited from Judaism, and the beliefs in life after death in the Greek world and cults of Thessalonica. The study contends that the apocalyptic tradition in I Thessalonians provides Paul with a temporal sequence and a depiction of the glory of the last events, and allows Paul to provide assurance to the young Thessalonian congregation.