Paul's Integrated Use of Apocalyptic and Gnostic Imagery in First Thessalonians

The purpose of this study is to examine and characterize Paul’s integrated use of apocalyptic and gnostic imagery as found in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10 as well as compare and contrast conclusions based on the analysis with long standing theories regarding: (1) the rise of gnosticism as a result of the delay of the Parousia, and (2) the mutual exlusivity of apocalypticism and gnosticism.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:1-10, Paul integrates use of apocalyptic and gnostic imagery. He uses the same apocalyptic imagery as found in Amos and Zechariah, as well as the same gnostic imagery as found in The Apocryphon of James and the Gospel of Truth. In essence, apocalyptic and gnostic imagery appears side-by-side. Although many scholars believe this to be impossible, we see the integrated use of apocalyptic and gnostic imagery in the earliest writing of the New Testament.