Fathers

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What the Fathers say

1 Thessalonians 1:1

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

Wherefore then, when writing to the Ephesians, and having Timothy with him, did he not include him with himself (in his salutation), known as he was to them and admired, for he says, "Ye know the proof of him, that as a child serveth the father, so he served with me in the Gospel" (Phil. ii. 22); and again, "I have no man like-minded who will care truly for your state" (ver. 20); but here he does associate him with himself? …

Homily on 1 Thessalonians 1 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians places Timothy alongside himself. Meanwhile, in the Epistle to the Ephesians he does not do this, even though Timothy was known to them. It seems to me this is because he intended to send him to the Ephesians immediately, which is why it was unnecessary to write the epistle on behalf of someone who was to deliver it. But here the situation is different: Timothy had recently returned from Thessalonica, so he rightly places him alongside himself. …

Commentary on 1 Thessalonians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

The Apostle wishes to strengthen the Church in the face of tribulations. First, in the face of present tribulations, and Paul does this in the first letter to the Thessalonians. Secondly, Paul warns against tribulations to come in the time of the Antichrist, and he does this in the second letter to the Thessalonians. …

Commentary on 1 Thessalonians ↗