Глава первая

1 Thessalonians 1:1. Paul and Silvanus and Timothy - The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, puts Timothy along with himself. Meanwhile, in Ephesians he does not do this, although Timothy was known to them. It seems to me that this is because he had the intention of immediately sending it to the Ephesians, which is why it was unnecessary to write the letter on behalf of the one who was supposed to deliver it. This is not the case here: Timothy recently returned from Thessalonica, so he rightly puts him along with himself. But he places Silouan ahead of Timothy, probably because Timothy himself humbly demanded this, imitating the teacher Paul, who counts his disciples among himself. Here Paul does not call himself either an apostle or a servant, as he usually does in other epistles, because the Thessalonians were converts and did not yet know him closely. Therefore, there was no need to remind them of their dignity. Although the Thessalonians were few and had not yet united closely with each other, he calls them a church, encouraging them with the very name: since the name of the church for the most part means many. in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Since there were Hellenic and Jewish churches, he, distinguishing this church from those, says that it is “in God the Father.” It is a great virtue to be “in God.” For if anyone is a slave of sin, he is not “in God.” Note: the preposition “in” (εν) refers to both the Father and the Son. Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. He wishes them to succeed more and more in the gifts of God, but also to have peace, not being proud of each other. 1 Thessalonians 1:2. We always thank God for all of you, Praise immediately follows praise to God. For by giving thanks to God for them, he shows that they have fulfilled everything by which God is glorified. But at the same time it teaches humility, since everything is accomplished by God. remembering you in our prayers, That he thanks God is a consequence of their virtues; and what he remembers them in prayers is out of his love for them. 1 Thessalonians 1:3. constantly remembering Not only, he says, do I remember you in my prayers, but also at every other time. This is proof of his ardent love. That is, your constancy. For the work of faith is to stand firm, and not to merely boast of faith in words. What kind of work to love? Simply loving is not difficult; but to love truly is great work. For if someone endures everything for the sake of a loved one, how is it not work? And the Thessalonians really suffered a lot out of love for Paul, as can be seen from the book of Acts (Acts 17:5). and patience of trust in our Lord Jesus Christ He says, you have endured many long trials, and you have endured them, supported by hope. For they believed with full conviction the prepared rewards: since God allowed them to be tested at the beginning so that no one would say that the preaching was confirmed simply and by flattery, but so that it would be clear that it was not human conviction that was at work here, but the power of God, conquering souls. before our God and Father, This can be understood in two ways: either by remembering before our God and Father; or understand the “work of faith” which is before God. So, don’t think that you are working in vain; on the contrary, everything is before God, and He will give the reward. 1 Thessalonians 1:4. Knowing your election, brethren beloved of God; We remember you, he says, because we know that you are chosen by God: for you were chosen preferably over many others for your faith. Where can this be seen, Saint Paul? Listen, he says what follows. 1 Thessalonians 1:5. because our gospel to you was not only in words, From this, he says, your election is evident, that God glorified the preaching among you. For it was not just that we preached, but there were also signs, because God was pleased that you should believe as His chosen and foreordained ones. That is, in signs that were for the benefit of right-thinking people and for the punishment of the unwise. Or in spiritual wisdom, not external; or that the Holy Spirit was given to those who believed. and with many certificates, That is, in disasters and suffering. Just as the sign and gift of the Holy Spirit were for the complete conviction of those who believed, so suffering for the preaching constitutes a great confirmation of it. as you yourself know, what we were like for you among you. You, he says, are witnesses of how we treated you among you and with what great readiness we preached: but this too is for you. Since you are the chosen ones, we worked so zealously for you. For what will no one suffer for the sake of God’s beloved? Here he also touches on his exploits, although secretly, since he first wants to praise them. 1 Thessalonians 1:6. And you became imitators of us and the Lord, Strengthens them both with praise and with a reminder that they did not yield to him in danger. Look, what a praise it is to immediately become imitators of the teacher, and not only of him, but also of the Lord! How did they become “imitators of the Lord”? The fact that He Himself, having endured great suffering, rejoiced: for this is why He came voluntarily, to say to the Father: “Glorify Your Son” (John 17:1). having received the word through much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, You received the word not just in tribulation, but also “in the presence of many,” that is, with danger. And this can be seen in the Acts of the Apostles. However, you accept this sorrow, precisely the danger, with joy. Explaining how one can rejoice in sorrow, he said: “with the joy of the Holy Spirit.” The Spirit did not allow you to suffer: the suffering was in them, as in the body, and joy was given from the Spirit. For just as the youths were watered by the cooling Spirit in the fire, so the Spirit also rejoiced you in danger, pointing you to future reward. Look: then someone becomes an imitator of the Lord when he endures dangers with the joy of the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 1:7. so that you became a model for all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. Although Paul came to them after others, he says, you became so bright that you became teachers of those who accepted the faith before you. And this is the imitation of Paul, since he came last, but surpassed everyone. Look, he didn’t say: you will be an example for those who believe, but: you have already “become an example” for believers, how they should believe, namely with warmth and readiness for danger. He calls Greece Achaia. 1 Thessalonians 1:8. For the word of the Lord has come from you The fame of your virtue caused the sermon to become known to everyone and you showed yourself to be teachers of all. The expression “blown by” speaks as if of a trumpet, sounding loudly and heard over a great distance. not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place the glory of your faith in God spread, Your example, says the apostle, filled with word and teaching Macedonia and Greece, and every place with wonder that in such a short time you showed such faith. As if speaking about something animate, the apostle used the word: “passed away.” so we don't need to tell you anything. The fame of your faith is so strong and effective that people do not expect us to say anything about you; on the contrary, every time we begin to speak in order to lead them to a similar competition, they precede us with their stories of your exploits. 1 Thessalonians 1:9. For they themselves say about us what kind of entrance we had to you, That is, that our coming to you was associated with a thousand deaths, and, however, nothing outraged you against us. On the contrary, you yourself, having been exposed to danger because of us, did not reject us, but treated us as if you had enjoyed countless blessings. This was the secondary entrance. For the apostle, having gone from Thessalonica to Beria, was persecuted, and having come from there to the Thessalonians, he was so received by them that they were ready to lay down their souls for him. and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God That is, you turned easily and more readily. Here, very opportunely, he inserted an admonition, skillfully reminding them from what and to what they had moved and to live worthy of this. 1 Thessalonians 1:10. and look for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, Jesus, who will deliver us from the wrath to come. And this is a feature of the same method; because in the form of a narrative he taught to wait for the Son of God. For the best consolation for those who mourn is that the One who suffered has risen and is in heaven, that He will come and deliver us, the mourners, from the coming wrath, that is, from punishment, as those who have truly pleased Him through faith and immaculate life. But he will not spare those who cause us grief. Since disasters are overhead, and blessings are in the future, the apostle ascribes to them great faith, as those who expect and firmly hope for the future. You might be interested in: