Ambrosiaster

In his own words on 1 Thessalonians

• 1 Thessalonians 1:2

  We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers, constantly remembering your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father: For all good things are from God, therefore they first give thanks to Him for their progress, who has deemed it worthy not only to give his gift to people under sin, but to adopt them as his children, at the same time assisting them in enduring all destruction, so that they may become more worthy. Therefore, they say that they remember these things in their speeches because they were increasing in the work of faith in the other churches, in order to complete the work that had been started by the will of God. They were eager in the pursuit of love, patience, and the hope of the coming of the Lord, which is before God, who deigned to incarnate his Son for the salvation of humanity. For it is pleasing to God if progress is made in Christ.

  Commentary on 1 Thessalonians

• 1 Thessalonians 1:5

  In order to indicate that he showed all humility among the Thessalonians and in order to adopt a gentle approach in dealing with them, Paul makes it clear that none of the powerful means by which they have been brought to faith is lacking. His preaching was accompanied by signs and wonders and was empowered by the Holy Spirit. It embodied the fullness of truth rather than fantasy. This could be seen in the teaching of grace, in the quality of discourse among them and in the healing of the sick. By these they could be seen to be the true heirs of the gift of God in the promises to Abraham.

  COMMENTARY ON THE FIRST LETTER TO THE THESSALONIANS

• 1 Thessalonians 1:6

  Those who, eager to believe, suffer insults and injuries from their fellows, are precisely those who may be called imitators of the apostles and of the Lord himself. He suffered the same things from the Jews, as did the apostles who endured persecution as they pursued their faith in God.

  COMMENTARY ON THE FIRST LETTER TO THE THESSALONIANS