John Chrysostom

"Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly and not after the tradition which they received of us." That is, it is not we that say these things, but Christ, for that is the meaning of "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ"; equivalent to "through Christ." Showing the fearfulness of the message, he says, through Christ. Christ therefore commanded us in no case to be idle. …

Homily on 2 Thessalonians 5 ↗

Basil of Caesarea

[Paul] says, "Knowing this, that our old nature is crucified with him, that the body of sin may be destroyed to the end that we may serve sin no longer." By these words we are taught that he who is baptized in Christ is baptized in his death, and is not only buried with Christ and planted together with him but is first of all crucified with him. …

Concerning Baptism

Theophylact of Ohrid

We have often said that by "charge" Paul means a more strict instruction. So also in the present case, giving a more strict instruction, he says: it is not we who command, but Christ. For what I say, He says. And He nowhere commanded to give oneself over to idleness. That is, to withdraw from everyone who lives disorderly, that is, without occupation, whether he be rich, or poor, or holy. For those who refuse useful pursuits usually quickly fall into idle talk and indifference. And this is precisely disorder. In what way? …

Commentary on 2 Thessalonians ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says, "and we charge you," he shows how they should relate to disorderly persons. And first, he sets out a rule; second, he explains it, at "for you yourselves"; third, he shows why the rule he has set out is necessary, at "for we have heard." He says, therefore: Thus you live, and thus we have confidence, but because there are some wicked men among you, "we charge you, brethren," namely, you perfect, "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." For this has to do with prelates. …

Commentary on 2 Thessalonians ↗