Fathers

2 Thessalonians 2

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Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

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What the Fathers say

2 Thessalonians 2:15

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

Not by letters alone did Paul instruct his disciple in his duty, but before by words also which he shows, both in many other passages, as where he says, "whether by word or our Epistle," and especially here. Let us not therefore suppose that anything relating to doctrine was spoken imperfectly. For many things he delivered to him without writing. …

Homily on Second Timothy 3 ↗

Basil of Caesarea

In answer to the objection that the doxology in the form "with the Spirit" has no written authority, we maintain that if there is no other instance of that which is unwritten, then this must not be received. But if the greater number of our mysteries are admitted into our constitution without written authority, then, in company with the many others, let us receive this one. For I hold it apostolic to abide also by the unwritten traditions. …

On the Spirit 29.71 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

From this it is clear that the apostles transmitted much without letters as well, through the word, that is, by living speech, and not only through epistles. Meanwhile, both the one and the other are equally trustworthy. Therefore we must also recognize Church Tradition as trustworthy. There is Tradition — seek nothing more. Here the apostle also shows that there were many who were wavering in the faith.

Commentary on 2 Thessalonians ↗

Western Saints

Ambrose of Milan

Again, that thou mayest know that the Father is, and the Son is, and that the work of the Father and of the Son is one, follow the saying of the Apostle: "Now may God Himself, and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ direct our way unto you." Both Father and Son are named, but there is unity of direction, because unity of power.

Exposition of the Christian Faith, Book 2 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says, "therefore, brethren", he admonishes them to hold fast the truth. And first he sets out his admonition; second, a prayer, at "now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself." And he does the first because our works depend on free will; but he adds the second because they need the help of grace. And first he admonishes them to stand fast, when he says "stand fast" in the truth. "Stand, and do not be held again under yoke of slavery" (Gal 5:1). …

Commentary on 2 Thessalonians ↗