Fathers

1 Thessalonians 5

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But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. Brethren, pray for us. Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

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What the Fathers say

1 Thessalonians 5:13

Eastern Fathers

Theophylact of Ohrid

He did not simply say "love," but "exceedingly," as children love parents. For whoever loves Christ will also love His servant, whatever kind he may be, because through him he was deemed worthy of the dread Mysteries. If you have taken an honorable wife, do you not respect and love the one who brought her to you? You have received the Kingdom of Heaven, and you despise the one who brought it to you. Heed Paul: "for their work's sake," he says, love them. Some also read: "with them," that is, with the teachers. …

Commentary on 1 Thessalonians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Furthermore, you owe them charity; hence, esteem them very highly in love, that is, before others. Finally, because of their work, be at peace with them. Yet some act against this. "They hate him who reproves in the gate, and they abhor him who speaks the truth" (Am. 5:10). "One who rejoices in wickedness will be condemned" (Sir. 19:5). Nevertheless, you should be at peace with them because of their work of correction, for this work properly belongs to their office. "I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war" (Ps. 120:7).

Commentary on 1 Thessalonians ↗