1 Thessalonians 2:14–19

Are we worthy, then, so much as even to mention the name of Paul? He had, in addition, the help of grace, yet did not presume that grace eliminated the need to take chances. We, on the other hand, who are destitute of the confidence grace brings, on what basis, tell me, do we expect either to preserve those who are committed to our charge or to gain those who have not come to the fold? We, indeed, are those who have been making a study of self-indulgence, who are searching the world over for ease and who are unable or rather unwilling to endure the slightest hint of danger. We are as far distant from Paul's wisdom as earth is from heaven. So it is, too, that they who are under us fall so far short of the men of those days. The reason is that the disciples of those days were better than the teachers of the present, isolated as they were in the midst of the populace, tyrants, surounded by enemies on all sides, and yet not in the slightest degree dragged down or giving up. Hear at least what Paul says to the Philippians: "Because to you it has been granted in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him but also to suffer in his behalf." And again to the Thessalonians, "For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea." … And you see them too, all employed in doing good. And so in those days grace worked effectually, and they also lived in good works.

"For ye," he says, "became imitators of the Churches of God which are in Judaea." This is a great consolation. It is no wonder, he says, that they should do these things to you, inasmuch as they have done it also to their own countrymen. And this too is no little proof that the Preaching is true, that even Jews were able to endure all things. "For ye also," he says, "have suffered the same things of your own countrymen, even as they did of the Jews." There is something more in his saying, "as they also did in Judaea"; it shows that everywhere they rejoiced, as having nobly contended. He says therefore, "that ye also suffered the same things." And again, what wonder is it, if to you also, when even to the Lord they dared do such things?

Do you see how he introduces this as containing great consolation? And constantly he adverts to it; and upon a close examination one may find it in nearly all his Epistles, how variously, upon all occasions of temptation, he brings forward Christ. Observe accordingly, that here also, when accusing the Jews, he puts them in mind of the Lord, and of the sufferings of the Lord; so well does he know that this is a matter of the greatest consolation.

"But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country." We must inquire whether the expression has the same force when applied universally to every prophet (as if all prophets are dishonored in their own country). Or, it may be the case that because the expression "a prophet" is in the singular, these things were said only about one. If, then, these words are spoken about one person, these things which have been said suffice, if we refer that which was written to the Savior. But if it is a general principle in view, it is not historically true; for Elijah was not dishonored in Tishbeth of Gilead, nor Elisha in Abelmeholah, nor Samuel in Ramathaim, nor Jeremiah in Anathoth. But figuratively interpreted, it is absolutely true; for we must think of Judea as their country and Israel as their kindred and perhaps of the body as the house. For all suffered dishonor in Judea from the Israel which is according to the flesh, while they were yet in the body. Thus it is written in the Acts of the Apostles, as Stephen censured the people, "Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute, who appeared before of the coming of the Righteous One?" And Paul says similar things in his first letter to the Thessalonians: "For you brethren became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judaea in Christ Jesus, for you also suffered the same things of your own countrymen even as they did of the Jews, who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out, and please not God, and are contrary to all men."

So that no one would understand by the churches in Judea the Jewish synagogues, he therefore added: "in Christ Jesus," to show more clearly that what is spoken of is the churches of believers.

A great consolation! For if the Jews, zealots of the ancestral law, having once believed, endured so much, then how much more ought you? It is no small proof of the truth of the Gospel that the Jews willingly suffer for that which they themselves formerly persecuted.

Then when he says, for you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus which are in Judea, he shows how courageously they persevered in the midst of tribulations; and in treating this he makes two points. First, he speaks of their trials, in which they stood firm; secondly, of the remedy he proposes to apply (2:17). Again, the first point is divided into two parts. First, Paul commends them for their patience in the face of difficulties; secondly, he reprehends those responsible for the difficulties (2:15).

Consequently, Paul says: you received the word not as the word of men, but as what it really is, the word of God, for you exposed yourselves for its sake even to death. The fact that a man dies for the sake of Christ is testimony to the fact that the words of the faith are the words of God; and, therefore, "martyrs" means the same as "witnesses." In Judea, for it is there that the faith of Christ was first proclaimed: "For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem" (Is. 2:3). In addition, it was also there that the first persecution of the faith occurred, as is evident from Acts (8:1): "On that day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem." "But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings" (Heb. 10:32). The Thessalonians endured similar difficulties, so Paul remarks: for you suffered the same things from your own countrymen, that is, from the incredulous Thessalonians: "And a man's foes will be those of his own household" (Matt. 10:36).

"Who both killed the Lord," he says-but, perhaps, they did not know Him,-assuredly they did know Him. What then? Did they not slay and stone their own prophets, whose books even they carry about with them? And they did not do this for the sake of truth. There is therefore not only a consolation under the temptations, but they are reminded not to think that (the Jews) did it for the truth's sake, and be troubled on that account. "And drave out us," he says. And we also, he says, have suffered numberless evils. "And please not God, and are contrary to all men; forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles, that they may be saved." "Contrary to all men," he says. How? Because if we ought to speak to the world, and they forbid us, they are the common enemies of the world. They have slain Christ and the prophets, they insult God, they are the common enemies of the world, they banish us, when coming for their salvation. What wonder if they have done such things also to you, when they have done them even in Judaea? "Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles, that they might be saved." It is a mark of envy therefore to hinder the salvation of all. "To fill up their sins alway. But the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost." What is "to the uttermost"? These things are no longer like the former. There is here no return back, no limit. But the wrath is nigh at hand. Whence is this manifest? From that which Christ foretold. For not only is it a consolation to have partakers in our afflictions, but to hear also that our persecutors are to be punished. And if the delay is a grievance, let it be a consolation that they will never lift up their heads again; or rather he hath cut short the delay, by saying, "The wrath," showing that it was long ago due, and predetermined, and predicted.

Even in brief works there is much pungency? The Jews had slain their prophets. I may ask, What has this to do with the apostle of the rival god, one so amiable withal, who could hardly be said to condemn even the failings of his own people; and who, moreover, has himself some hand in making away with the same prophets whom he is destroying? What injury did Israel commit against him in slaying those whom he too has reprobated, since he was the first to pass a hostile sentence on them? But Israel sinned against their own God.

And what is surprising in that they mistreated their own countrymen, when they even killed the Lord? See what a consolation it is to be a partaker with Christ in sufferings! Therefore Paul also always points this out in trials.

But someone will say that they did not recognize the Lord. So what? Did they not recognize their own prophets, whose books they carry everywhere? How then did they kill them too? From this it is evident that they do nothing as zealots for the truth, but rather rage against the truth.

The apostles, your teachers. Therefore you, as disciples, ought to endure all things, having these examples before your eyes.

For how could they please Him whose Son they killed, and before that had also killed the prophets?

Then when Paul observes, who killed both the Lord Jesus, he rebukes the Jews who started the persecution. First, he recalls their sin, and then the reason for the sin (2:16). In regard to the first point Paul does three things: first, he treats their sin in relation to God's ministers; secondly, with reference to God Himself; and thirdly as relating to the entire human race.

The ministers of God are those who preach, namely, Christ, the prophets and the apostles. Preaching is performed by Christ as the one from whom the doctrine originates, by the prophets who prefigured this doctrine, and by the apostles who carry out the injunction to preach.

Paul first makes reference to Christ when he says: who killed the Lord Jesus, as is clear from Matthew (21:38): "This is the heir; come, let us kill him." That it was the Gentiles who killed him is not a valid objection, for the Jews with their own words asked Pilate to kill him: "My heritage has become to me like a lion in the forest, she has lifted up her voice against me" (Jer. 12:8). Paul then speaks of the prophets when he mentions: and the prophets. "Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered" (Acts 7:52). Paul next speaks of the apostles when he comments: and drove us out, that is, the apostles. "Beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues" (Matt. 10:17).

Secondly, Paul mentions the sin of the Jews in its relation to God, with the words: and displease God, although they may think that through this they do a service to God, as is evident in John 16. Actually, because they do not have zeal for God in accordance with knowledge, they are not pleasing to God, since they do not act in keeping with right faith and "without faith it is impossible to please him" (Heb. 11:6); "therefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against his people, and he stretched out his hand against them and smote them" (Is. 5:25).

Thirdly, Paul considers their sin in its relation to the whole human race, when he says: and oppose all men. "His hand against every man and every man's hand against him" (Gen. 16:12).

For if salvation must be preached to the whole world, and they oppose this, then they are common enemies of the world. Only extraordinary envy would hinder the common salvation.

This, he says, they did and continue to do to the ancient prophets, then to Christ, and finally to us as well, in order to show that they are hastening to reach the full measure of sins, their utmost limit.

That is, for them there will no longer be what was before; there will be no return from captivity, nor will they take possession of their land, but to the end the wrath of God will remain upon them. The word "wrath" (ἡ ὀργή) with the article shows that they deserved it, that it was appointed and foretold. Having comforted the Thessalonians by pointing out that they have many fellow-partakers in trials, he now also comforts them by pointing out that their oppressors will be punished.

Thirdly, Paul considers their sin in its relation to the whole human race, when he says: and oppose all men. "His hand against every man and every man's hand against him" (Gen. 16:12). And they are antagonistic, because they prohibit and impede the preaching to the Gentiles, and also the conversion of the Gentiles. In Acts 10 and 11 Peter is criticized for having gone to Cornelius; also in Luke 15 the elder son, the Jewish people, is disturbed because the younger son, the Gentile people, is received by the father. "Woe to him who says to a father, 'What are you begetting'" (Is. 45:10). "Would that all the Lord's people were prophets" (Num. 11:29).

The reason for this sin is found in the divine permission, by which God wills that they fill up the measure of their sins. Indeed, for all things which come about, either good or bad, there is a certain measure, because nothing is infinite; and the measure of all these things is in God's foreknowledge. The measure of good things is what it prepares, for "grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift" (Eph. 4:7); the measure of evil things, however, is what it permits, for if some are evil, they are not as evil as they want, but as God permits. And, therefore, they live until they attain that which God permits: "Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers" (Matt. 23:32). So Paul says: so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. For after the suffering of Christ, God gave the Jews forty years to repent, but they were not converted; rather they multiplied their sins. God did not permit this to go on, so Paul states: but God's wrath has come upon them until the end. "For great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us" (2 Kings 22:13). "For great distress shall be upon the earth and wrath upon this people" (Lk. 21:23). And you should not think that this wrath shall last for one hundred years only, but until the end of the world, when all the Gentiles will have embraced the Christian religion, and then all of Israel shall be saved, as it appears from Rom. 10, Lk. 19:44, 21:6, and Matt. 24:2: "There will not be left here one stone upon another, that will not be thrown down."

"But we, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your face with great desire."

He has not said "separated," but what was much more. He had spoken above of flattery, showing that he did not flatter, that he did not seek glory. He speaks here concerning love. Because he had said above, "as a father his children," "as a nurse," here he uses another expression, "being made orphans," which is said of children who have lost their fathers. And yet they were made orphans. "No"-he says-"but we. For if any one should examine our longing, even as little children without a protector, having sustained an untimely bereavement, long for their parents, not only from the feelings of nature itself, but also on account of their deserted state, so truly do we too feel." From this also he shows his own despondency on account of their separation. And this we cannot say, he says, that we have waited a long period, but "for a short time," and that "in presence, not in heart." For we always have you in our mind. See how great is his love Although having them always in his heart, he sought also their presence face to face. Tell me not of your superlative philosophy This is truly fervent love; both to see, and to hear, and speak; and this may be of much advantage. "We endeavored the more exceedingly." What is "more exceedingly"? He either means to say, "we are vehemently attached to you," or, "as was likely, being bereaved for a season, we endeavored to see your face." Observe the blessed Paul. When of himself he cannot satisfy his longing, he does it through others, as when he sends Timothy to the Philippians, and the same person again to the Corinthians, holding intercourse with them through others, when he cannot of himself. For in loving them, he was like some mad person, not to be restrained, nor to command himself in his affection.

Here the apostle speaks of love. Above he said: "as a father his children" (v. 11) and: "as a nurse" (v. 7), and here "being separated" (in the Slavonic text – "having been orphaned"), which is characteristic of children seeking their parents. This is so that we might understand from this how strongly he loved them. But at the same time he also hints at the sorrow in which he found himself on account of the separation. And it cannot be said, he says, that we remained separated for a long time; on the contrary, for a comparatively short and brief period, so that it could be considered almost as one hour.

And moreover, it is not in heart, he says, that we were separated from you, but in face. But even carrying you constantly in our heart, we experience sorrow that we are deprived of the opportunity to see you bodily. Notice also that those who love intensely have a need to see their loved ones in person, from which their love is strengthened even more.

Most of all he was eager to see those left behind for a short time. Pay attention to the love: not for any other reason, he says, do I desire to come, but to see your face.

Then when Paul says, but since we were bereft of you, brethren, for a short time, he shows the remedy that he proposed to apply for them, namely, that he will personally go to them. In regard to this he makes three points: first, he discusses his proposed visit; secondly he treats the obstacle to his visit (2:18); thirdly, he gives the reason why he wanted to go (2:19).

So Paul says: but since we were bereft of you, either on account of your tribulations, or because we were separated from you in conversation, that is, missing the opportunity for conversation, and in person, that is, not being able to enjoy your company. Both of these things require the presence of a friend because it is consoling. But not in heart, for we are present in heart, as is evident from 1 Cor. (5:3): "For though absent in body I am present in spirit." We endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, that we may be present also in body as we are in our heart; "I have longed for many years to come to you" (Rom. 15:23).

Paul, the chosen vessel, chastised his body and brought it into subjection, lest after preaching to others he himself should be found a reprobate. He relates that there was given to him "a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet him." And to the Corinthians he writes: "But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ." And elsewhere he says, "Any one whom you forgive, I also forgive. What I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, to keep Satan from gaining the advantage over us, for we are not ignorant of his designs." And again, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man, but God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength; but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." And "Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall." And to the Galatians, "You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?" And elsewhere: "We greatly desired to have come unto you, I Paul once and again; and Satan hindered us."

You, too, when you are about to perform any duty for God, expect manifold dangers, punishments, deaths. Don't be surprised or disturbed if such things happen. For it is said, "My Son, if you come to serve the Lord, prepare your soul for temptation." For surely no one choosing to fight, expects to carry off the crown without wounds! And you, therefore, who have decided to wage full combat with the devil, don't think to pursue such a life without danger, expecting luxury instead! God has not pledged to you his recompense and promise for this life. These splendid things await you in the future life! Be glad and rejoice then, if when you have yourself done any good action, you receive evil in return … inasmuch as your suffering is the source of a higher recompense!… We see Paul in prison, yes, even in chains, instructing and initiating. He does the very same in a court of justice, in shipwreck, in tempest and in a thousand dangers. You also imitate these saints, and as long as you are able continue in your good works. Although you see the devil thwarting you ten thousand times, never fall back! Perhaps you have lost your wealth in a shipwreck. Remember Paul, carrying God's word, a message far more precious than all material wealth, was traveling to Rome and was wrecked, and sustained innumerable hardships. And this principle he himself signified when he said, "Many times we desired to come to you, but Satan hindered us." And God permitted it, thus revealing more abundantly his power.

"Wherefore we would fain have come unto you, I Paul once and again, and Satan hindered us."

Which is the part of love; yet here he mentions no other necessity but "that we might see you."

What sayest thou? does Satan hinder? Yes, truly, for this was not the work of God. For in the Epistle to the Romans, he says this, that God hindered him (from Rom. xv. 22); and elsewhere Luke says, that "the Spirit" hindered them from going into Asia. (Acts xvi. 7) And in the Epistle to the Corinthians he says, that it is the work of the Spirit, but here only of Satan. But what hindrance of Satan is he speaking of? Some unexpected and violent temptations: for a plot, it says, being formed against him by the Jews, he was detained three months in Greece. But it is another thing to remain for the sake of the dispensation, and willingly. For there he says, "Wherefore having no more place in these parts" (Rom. xv. 23), and, "To spare you I forbare to come unto Corinth." (2 Cor. i. 23) But here nothing of this sort. But what? That "Satan hindered" him. "Even I Paul," he says, "both once and again." Observe, how ambitious he is, and what a display he makes, in his willingness to show that he loved them most of all. "I Paul," he says, instead of Although no others. For they indeed were only willing, but I even attempted it.

What are you saying? Satan hindered? Exactly so; for this was not a work of God. In the Epistle to the Romans he says that God hindered (Rom. 1:13, 15:22); and Luke says that the Spirit hindered them (Acts 16:6); and in the Epistle to the Corinthians he says that this was the work of the Spirit (see 2 Cor. 1:15, 22). But here it is simply the work of Satan, who brings about strong and sudden temptations, of course by God's permission. See how he boasts of his love, showing that he loved them more than all others, which is why he says: "I, Paul," that is, although the others with me also desired to come to you, I even resolved to do so.

When Paul says we, he intends a plural meaning, because he writes in the name of three persons, that is, in his own name, and that of Silvanus, and of Timothy. Therefore Paul says: we wanted to come to you, all of us perhaps once, but I Paul, again and again, that is twice, as I proposed; but Satan hindered us, that is, set up obstacles, perhaps through violent winds, as in: "Four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth" (Rev. 7:1).

For we ought to walk by the standard of the saints and the fathers, and imitate them, and to be sure that if we depart from them we put ourselves also out of their fellowship. Whom then do they wish you to imitate? The one who hesitated, and while wishing to follow, delayed the decision and took counsel because of his family? Or blessed Paul, who, the moment the stewardship was entrusted to him, "did not immediately consult with flesh and blood"? For although he said, "I am not worthy to be called an apostle," yet, knowing what he had received and fully aware of the giver, he wrote, "For woe is me if I do not preach the gospel." But, as it was "woe to me" if he did not preach, so, in teaching and preaching the gospel, he had his converts as his joy and crown. This explains why the saint was zealous to preach as far as Illyricum and did not shrink from proceeding to Rome or even going as far as the Spains, in order that the more he labored, he might receive so much the greater reward for his labor. He boasted then that he had fought the good fight and was confident that he should receive the great crown.

What then is my defense? If it be false, you must convict me. But if true, you on behalf of whom and in whose presence I speak, must bear witness to it. For you are my defense, my witnesses and my crown of rejoicing, if I also may venture to boast myself a little in the apostle's language. This flock was, when it was small and poor, as far as appearances went, no, not even a flock, but only a trace and relic of a flock, without order, shepherd or boundaries, with neither the right to pasture nor the defense of a sheepfold. Instead, you were wandering upon the mountains, in caves and dens of the earth, scattered and dispersed hither and yon as each one could find shelter or pasture or could gratefully secure its own safety.… Such then was the condition of this flock. Now it is so healthy and well grown that if it is not yet perfect, it is advancing toward perfection by constant growth, and I prophesy that it will advance.

He who will not seek in the well-being of his neighbor his own benefit will not attain to the crown for this reason: God himself has so decided that human beings should be mutually bound together. When one awakens a sleeping child and asks him to follow his brother, left to himself he is often unwilling. If, however, we place in his brother's hand an object the child desires, he will pursue his brother to obtain what he desires. It is the same case here. God has placed our benefit in the hand of our neighbor so that we will pursue one another and not be torn apart.If you wish, apply this illustration to the one who addresses you today. For my benefit depends on you, as yours does on me. Thus, on the one hand, it is to your profit to be taught the things that please God, for these things have been entrusted to me that you might receive them from me and therefore might be compelled to run to me. On the other hand, it is to my benefit that you should be made better: for the reward which I shall receive for this will be great. This again, however, lies in you; and therefore am I compelled to follow after you that you may improve and that I may profit from your improvement. And so also Paul says, "For what is my hope? Are not you that?" And again, "My hope and my joy, and the crown of my rejoicing."

"For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of glorying? Are not even ye before our Lord Jesus at His coming? For ye are our glory and our joy."

Are the Macedonians, tell me, thy hope, O blessed Paul? Not these alone, he says. Therefore he has added, "Are not ye also?" For "what," he says, "is our hope, or joy, or crown of glorying"? Observe then the words, which are those of women, inflamed with tenderness, talking to their little children. "And crown of glorying," he says. For the name of "crown" was not sufficient to express the splendor, but also "of glorying." Of what fiery warmth is this! Never could either mother, or father, yea if they even met together, and commingled their love, have shown their own affection to be equivalent to that of Paul. "My joy and crown," he says, that is, I rejoice in you more than in a crown. For consider how great a thing it is, that an entire Church should be present, planted and rooted by Paul. Who would not rejoice in such a multitude of children, and in the goodness of those children? So that this also is not flattery. For he has not said "ye," but "ye also" together with the others.

I beg you, therefore, "by the mercy of the Lord," help with your prayers the one for whom you have voted with your desires. Pray that the "Spirit" of grace "might remain in me" and that you might not begin to reconsider your decision. May the one who has instilled in you an eager longing for agreement provide for us all the shared benefit of peace. I could then be made fit for serving almighty God and for surrendering myself to you for the rest of my life, entreating the Lord with confidence, "Holy Father, keep in your name the ones you have given me." While you continually make progress toward salvation, "my soul could" then "proclaim the greatness of the Lord." In the compensation of the judgment that is to come, the reckoning of my priesthood could take its stand before the just Judge in such a way that, through your good works, "you" might be "a joy" to me, and "you a crown." You have already given sincere testimony about the present life by your good will.

Good teachers are accustomed to locate every hope and joy and crown in the progress of their students.

And again: "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord God, Jesus Christ, at His coming? " Likewise: "Before God, even our Father, at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, with the whole company of His saints.

Are not these the words of mothers burning with the tenderest love, speaking with little children? The word "crown" was not enough for him to show his fervor, but he added also "of boasting." For in you, he says, I hope that on account of you I shall be deemed worthy of great boldness before Christ, and of joy for the very reason that you both now are and then will be for me a "crown of boasting," that is, a crown of brilliant glory.

What then? Are the Thessalonians alone your hope, holy Paul? No, not they alone. Therefore he also said "you too," showing that there were others as well.

Then when Paul says: for what is our hope, he gives the reason for his proposal. First, in regard to the future; secondly, in regard to the present (2:20). Paul says: I desire to see you and I give thanks for your blessings which are our hope; for it is on account of these blessings that we hope for rewards from God, when He shall come to render to every one according to his deeds. For the greatest reward of the preacher comes from those whom he has converted. Or joy, because their joy is the Apostle's joy, just as their goodness is the Apostle's goodness; for the goodness of the effect is accounted for by the goodness of the cause. Or crown of boasting, because as a result of their struggles he who encouraged them to struggle shall be decorated; for the commander who led the soldiers to combat is decorated: "He who disciplines his son will profit by him, and will boast of him among acquaintances" (Sir. 30:2). I ask what is this hope; is it not you? Yes, assuredly: in the future, that is, before our Lord Jesus at his coming.