Fathers

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What the Fathers say

1 Thessalonians 4:18

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"Wherefore comfort one another with these words." If He is about to descend, on what account shall we be caught up? For the sake of honor. For when a king drives into a city, those who are in honor go out to meet him; but the condemned await the judge within. And upon the coming of an affectionate father, his children indeed, and those who are worthy to be his children, are taken out in a chariot, that they may see and kiss him; but those of the domestics who have offended remain within. We are carried upon the chariot of our Father. …

Homily on 1 Thessalonians 8 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

So as not to grieve like the rest, who have no hope of the resurrection.

Commentary on 1 Thessalonians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says, therefore comfort one another with these words, Paul concludes that they should comfort one another about the dead. He feels that since the saints will rise without suffering any loss, the Thessalonians should comfort one another about the dead. "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God" (Is. 40:1).

Commentary on 1 Thessalonians ↗