Fathers

1 Thessalonians 5

Tap a verse to read the Fathers. Press and hold, then drag, to make a card.

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.

About · Privacy · Credits · Support VRSZ

What the Fathers say

1 Thessalonians 5:27

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"I adjure you by the Lord that this Epistle be read unto all the holy brethren." And this command is rather from love, and not so much in the way of teaching; that with them also, he means, I may be conversing. And he does not merely command, but adjures them, and this from a fervent mind, that even though they should despise him, for the sake of the adjuration they may practice what is commanded. For men had a great dread of that appeal, but now that too is trampled under foot.

Homily on 1 Thessalonians 11 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Not so much for the sake of instruction, as for the sake of conversing with them through the epistle: a proof of ardent love. And he adjures them so that if they do not respect him, then at least for the sake of the oath they would fulfill what had been commanded to them. So fearful were adjurations for the early Christians! But alas, they are not such now, they are not such for us.

Commentary on 1 Thessalonians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

I adjure you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the brethren. Paul feared that those in charge of the assembly might suppress it because of some of the things contained in it. "The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it" (Prov. 11:26).

Commentary on 1 Thessalonians ↗