Philoxenus of Mabbug

In his own words on 1 Thessalonians

• 1 Thessalonians 2:9

  And to how much in want and poverty he was testify the fact that once until he had sold his clothing they were not able to buy food for him and for those who were with him, and the constant labour which he did with his hands at nights, in order that he might be a burden upon no man.

  13 Ascetic Discourses, Discourse 11 -- On Abstinence

• 1 Thessalonians 4:13

  "Brothers, I want you to know about those who sleep: you must not grieve like the rest of humanity, who have lost all hope." Our resurrection too will take place by the power of the Holy Spirit who is within us. Because the Holy Spirit is in faithful persons when they die, their death cannot be called death, but only sleep.

  On the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

• 1 Thessalonians 5:16

  Those who, together with labours, possess innocency of soul also, become the discoverers of the kingdom which is in them, and in its blessings they fare luxuriously and revel in continual joy, over which sorrow ruleth not, because at all times they rejoice in the gladness which is born of them, even as Paul also said, "Rejoice at all times," and in another place he also said, "Rejoice in your hope, and endure patiently your tribulations; for from the patient endurance of tribulations the hope concerning the things which are to come increaseth in us."

  13 Ascetic Discourses, Discourse 11 -- On Abstinence

• 1 Thessalonians 5:19

  That is to say, do not grieve him by sin, otherwise his light will be quenched from your soul—a light which, when kindled within you, gives you the possession of a power that is beyond expression; and you will be able to contend "with principalities and powers," and fight against the evil spirits under heaven, and reject all the world with its pleasures and pains. All are effected by the fervor of the Spirit within us.

  Memra on the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit