Fathers

2 Thessalonians 3

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Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, even as also with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you both do and will do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love, and into the perseverance of Christ. Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us. For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn’t behave ourselves rebelliously among you, neither did we eat bread from anyone’s hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you, not because we don’t have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: “If anyone is not willing to work, don’t let him eat.” For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don’t work at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they work with quietness and eat their own bread. But you, brothers, don’t be weary in doing what is right. If any man doesn’t obey our word in this letter, note that man, that you have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed. Don’t count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all. The greeting of me, Paul, with my own hand, which is the sign in every letter: this is how I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

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What the Fathers say

2 Thessalonians 3:5

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"But the Lord," he says, "direct your hearts into the love of God, and the patience of Christ." Again he commends them, and prays, showing his concern for them. For when he is about to enter upon reproof, he previously smooths down their minds, by saying, "I am confident that ye will hear," and by requesting prayers from them, and by again invoking upon them infinite blessings. …

Homily on 2 Thessalonians 5 ↗

Basil of Caesarea

I am sure that a work done by one or two pious men is not done without the cooperation of the Holy Spirit. For when nothing merely human is put before us, when holy men are moved to action with no thought of their own personal gratification, and with the sole object of pleasing God, it is plain that it is the Lord Who is directing their hearts. …

Letters 229 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Again he prays for them, showing his care for them. Since he intended to reproach some of them, he first softens their hearts, to show that he gives them that instruction out of great love. And so he said: "The Lord direct your hearts," that is, may He cause them to go on the right path and not turn aside from it. For many things lead one astray from the right path of love: both covetousness, and vainglory, and sorrows, and temptations. …

Commentary on 2 Thessalonians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says "and may the Lord," he prays for them, saying "may the Lord direct your hearts," namely that you may reach the goal. "It belongs to man to prepare his soul, but to direct the tongue belongs to the Lord" (Prov 16:1). And a little further down it says, "a man's heart arranges his way, but the Lord directs his steps" (Prov 16:9), namely, to his destined reward. …

Commentary on 2 Thessalonians ↗