Interpretation of the 1st Epistle to the Thessalonians by St. Paul the Apostle

Blessed Theophylact of Bulgaria gained experience in explaining the Holy Scriptures when, as a rhetorician of the Great Church, he instructed the people. Most of his written interpretations arose at the request of the Greek Empress Maria, whom he calls his pious patron. These works became an outstanding synthesis and transposition of the established patristic traditions, primarily the heritage of the Antiochian theological school and St. John Chrysostom. As a rule, the author presents abbreviated versions of extensive interpretations of the ancient Church Fathers, borrowing only what is necessary for understanding the text. The commentary also includes his own explanations, which often concern disputes with heretics, especially later ones, and issues of dialogue with the Latins. Thanks to his clear, concise presentation and clear semantic emphasis, his commentaries were accessible to a wide range of readers, became widespread and had a significant influence on both Byzantine and Western European theology. In his “Commentary on the 1st Epistle to the Thessalonians of the Holy Apostle Paul” (5 chapters), Blessed Theophylact points out that this epistle is one of the earliest works of the Apostle Paul, written after his stay in Athens. The commentary speaks of the faith and way of life of this community, which has become a model for all believers. The author names one of the main motives for writing the message - preparing believers for the Second Coming of Christ. Thessaloniki (modern Greek city of Thessaloniki) was the most important trading port of the Roman Empire. The Apostle Paul visited there with Silas during his second missionary journey. Despite the violent hostility of the Jews, which forced Paul and Silas to leave Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul managed to lay the foundations of a Christian community in the city. 1 Thessalonians is one of Paul's first letters. The co-authors of the letter are Silas and Timofey. It was written after Paul's visit to Athens (1 Thess. 3:1) and after Timothy's return from an inspection trip to Thessalonica to the local Christian community (1 Thess. 3:6), with which Paul was pleased. The author does not skimp on praise for the community, which consisted of former pagans (1 Thess. 1:9). He calls her a “model” (Greek: τύπους) for all believers in Macedonia and Achaia (1 Thess. 1:7), and her parishioners as sons of light (1 Thess. 5:5). The letter was known to the ancient Fathers of the Church, it is mentioned by Irenaeus of Lyons, Clement of Alexandria and Tertullian. You might be interested in: