What has paraenesis to do with apokalypsis? The eschatological basis of Pauline ethics in the Thessalonian correspondence

The chief theological subject matter of the Thessalonian correspondence, it is generally recognised, is eschatology, in particular the imminent parousia and the ‘Day of the Lord,’ and apocalyptic signs thereof. Alongside this central theological topic, the letters display a clear concern for ethical/pastoral instruction of various kinds. This is particularly clear in 1 Thessalonians 4–5, where Paul sandwiches a discussion of apparently quotidian ethical matters (sexual behaviour and work) between his prayer for the Thessalonians at the Lord’s coming (3.13) and a detailed discussion of the suddenness of that event, all of which concludes with his exhortation to “encourage one another with these words” (4.18; cf. 5.11). The seemingly awkward juxtaposition of apocalyptic eschatology and ethical instruction here, and throughout the Thessalonian letters, raises the question of the relationship between these two themes in Paul’s thought.