Document Type
Article
Publication Title
New Testament Studies
Abstract
The phrase 'Peace and security' in 1 Thess 5.3 has traditionally been understood as an echo of the OT prophetic warnings (Jer 6.14; Ezek 13.10; Mic 3.5) against false claims of peace. Stronger evidence exists, however, that the apostle is making use of a popular theme of the imperial Roman propaganda machine. The Romans vigorously promoted themselves through various public media as those who provided not only 'peace' but also 'security', thereby providing a closer parallel to Paul's statement in 5.3 than any OT text. This essay reviews four kinds of evidence'numismatic, monumental, inscriptional and literary'in order to demonstrate in a decisive fashion that the phrase 'peace and security' involves an allusion not to prophetic warning but to Roman political propaganda. © 2012 Cambridge University Press.
First Page
331
Last Page
359
DOI
10.1017/S0028688512000045
Publication Date
7-1-2012
Recommended Citation
Weima, Jeffrey A. D., "'Peace and Security' (1 Thess 5.3): Prophetic Warning Or Political Propaganda?" (2012). CTS Faculty Publications and Creative Activity. 29.
https://digitalcommons.calvin.edu/seminary_facultypubs/29