ChatGPT as a Research Assistant in Biblical Studies: A (Brief) Case Study in Eschatology

In the ever-evolving landscape of academic research, scholars are constantly seeking ways to streamline their workflow while maintaining the rigor and depth required for serious scholarship. AI-driven tools like ChatGPT have emerged as potential research assistants, capable of synthesizing vast amounts of information, organizing complex arguments, and even analyzing uploaded academic texts. But how well does it actually perform in a field as intricate as biblical studies—particularly in the study of eschatology and early Christian apocalyptic thought?

This review explores the strengths and limitations of ChatGPT in structuring, refining, and supporting research on eschatological themes, using 2 Thessalonians 2 and its historical interpretations as a case study (Well, it is the topic of research for a book I am working on). “My” review comes from 20+ hours utilizing the paid version of ChatGPT. I have My in quotes because while the review is based on my experience using ChatGPT, I used ChatGPT to write the review for me based on my interactions, prompts, and, sometimes, my demeaning manner of speaking toward “it.” If you decide to use ChatGPT, you will understand what I mean. However, it chose to be professional in overlooking my human imperfections.

The Role of AI in Researching Early Christian Eschatology

When working on a research project that examines the meaning of ἀποστασία in 2 Thessalonians 2, the eschatological significance of σύντησις (συναγωγή), and the broader influence of Jewish apocalypticism on early Christian thought, the sheer volume of sources can be overwhelming. Ancient Jewish texts, early Christian commentaries, Second Temple literature, and modern scholarly analyses all contribute to this discussion, requiring meticulous organization and synthesis.

This is where ChatGPT proved to be an invaluable tool—not by replacing traditional research methods, but by enhancing efficiency and structuring the research process in ways that would have otherwise been far more time-consuming.

Strengths of AI-Assisted Research

1. Organizing Patristic and Apocalyptic Sources

One of the primary challenges in tracing the development of eschatological thought is navigating how different traditions—Jewish apocalyptic literature, early Christian theology, and Greco-Roman influences—intersect. When researching early Christian interpretations of the “Man of Sin” in 2 Thessalonians 2, I needed to identify key Patristic sources and how they engaged with earlier Jewish apocalyptic traditions.

Instead of manually sifting through vast databases, ChatGPT helped categorize key sources, such as:

• John J. Collins’ Apocalyptic Imagination, which explains how Daniel, 1 Enoch, and 4 Ezra shaped early Christian thought.

• George W.E. Nickelsburg’s Jewish Literature between the Bible and the Mishnah, which highlights the role of Second Temple apocalypticism in shaping early Christian eschatology.

• Patristic commentaries from Irenaeus, Tertullian, and Chrysostom, which interpret the “Man of Sin” within evolving eschatological frameworks.

This organized foundation allowed for a more coherent synthesis of these historical perspectives.

2. Refining Research Questions and Outlining Arguments

A well-structured argument is essential for any academic work, particularly when dealing with complex textual traditions. ChatGPT assisted in outlining research chapters, ensuring that each section was grounded in relevant sources. For example:

• When exploring the semantic range of ἀποστασία, ChatGPT helped pinpoint where in ancient literature the term had been used in both political and religious senses, refining the scope of investigation.

• In structuring the discussion of σύντησις (συναγωγή) as an eschatological gathering, ChatGPT assisted in linking New Testament usage with Second Temple Jewish expectations of divine assembly.

This level of thematic synthesis helped maintain coherence across arguments, rather than approaching each issue in isolation.

3. Efficiently Analyzing Academic Texts

Many scholars spend a significant amount of time skimming dissertations, journal articles, and monographs to locate the most relevant sections. By uploading key scholarly works, ChatGPT was able to identify specific pages, chapters, and discussions that were directly relevant to the research.

For instance, when examining Paul’s interpretation of the Olivet Discourse in 1–2 Thessalonians, ChatGPT helped locate precise discussions in a recently uploaded dissertation—saving hours of manual skimming.

Limitations and Scholarly Challenges

1. The Need for Manual Verification

While ChatGPT provided an efficient way to locate, categorize, and synthesize sources, every reference still needed to be manually verified. It does not have direct access to paywalled journals or proprietary databases, so certain claims required checking against original sources in JSTOR, Project MUSE, or academic press databases.

2. Handling Advanced Philological Analysis

While AI can summarize thematic elements across sources, it is less adept at engaging with complex linguistic and philological debates. In discussions on the usage of ἀποστασία and σύντησις, deeper engagement with Greek lexicons (BDAG, LSJ), textual variants, and syntactical nuances was required—tasks that still demand human expertise.

3. AI as an Assistant, Not an Authority

The most crucial realization when using ChatGPT is that it should not dictate conclusions. While it helps streamline research, it is still the researcher’s responsibility to evaluate arguments, cross-check sources, and construct original insights.

Conclusion: A Powerful Supplement to Traditional Research

AI-assisted research tools like ChatGPT offer a significant advantage in organizing, structuring, and synthesizing complex scholarly discussions. In the study of 2 Thessalonians 2 and early Christian eschatology, it proved invaluable in:

• Systematizing scholarly sources across different traditions.

• Identifying key texts, arguments, and relevant debates.

• Structuring a research framework that maintained logical coherence.

However, its limitations—particularly in direct source access, citation accuracy, and philological depth—underscore that AI should be used as a supplement rather than a substitute for rigorous academic work. For scholars researching biblical studies, eschatology, or ancient textual traditions, AI can function as a research accelerator, but the final scholarly engagement, interpretation, and critical thought must always remain human-driven.

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