Thomas Aquinas Commentary 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5

"Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ; Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We are bound to give thanks to God always to you, brethren, even as it is meet, for that your faith growth exceedingly, and the love of each one of you all toward one another aboundeth; so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which ye endure; [which is] a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God; to the end that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:" — 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5 (ASV)

1. This epistle is divided into the greeting and the main body of the letter, which begins with the words, we are bound to give thanks. First, the persons sending the greeting are identified; second, the persons being greeted; and third, the good things wished for them.

2. The senders are the same as in the first letter to the Thessalonians. Three people are listed as sending greetings so that the epistle’s authority may appear stronger. A threefold cord is not easily broken (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

3. To the church of the Thessalonians. The word Church refers to a congregation, which should be “in God”—otherwise, it is a bad assembly. A Psalm says of the good congregation, gather his holy ones to him (Psalms 50:5). In Christ means in the faith of Christ, as in, Through whom we have access through faith into this grace (Romans 5:2).

4. Next, he wishes good things for them, beginning with peace, for peace is the start of all spiritual gifts. By the grace of God I am what I am (1 Corinthians 15:10). He also wishes for them the grace that is mankind’s ultimate goal. Who makes your ends peace (Psalms 147:14). This grace is from God our Father, for Every best and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights (James 1:17). It is also from the Lord Jesus Christ, through whom he has given us great and precious promises (2 Peter 1:4).

5. We are bound to give thanks always to God for you. This begins the main body of the letter. First, he instructs them about what is to happen in the last days; second, he warns them in a friendly way about certain matters in the third chapter, beginning with the words, for the rest, brethren (2 Thessalonians 3:1).

   Regarding the last days, he first admonishes them about the rewards of the good and the punishments of the wicked; second, he admonishes them about the dangers of the time of the Antichrist in chapter two, beginning with the words, and we beseech you (2 Thessalonians 2:1).

   Regarding the rewards and punishments, he first gives thanks for their preparation for the future judgment; second, he describes the judgment itself, beginning with the words, seeing it is a just thing.

   Finally, in giving thanks, he first gives thanks for their progress, second, he shows the fruit of their progress, and third, he points to a sign of it.

6. He says, therefore, we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren. Since he had commended them in the first epistle for their faith, charity, and the other good things in which they abounded, he says he is bound to give thanks because he considers the good they have as his own. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth (3 John 1:4). He gives thanks to God, without whom nothing good can happen. This is as it is fitting, because we should give thanks for great blessings. Since God has wondrously liberated us from great dangers, let us give thanks .

   The reason for this thanksgiving is that their spiritual gifts grow exceedingly, for such gifts are not safely guarded unless a person progresses in them. Among these gifts, the first is faith, through which God dwells in us. Our progress in faith is connected to our understanding, and so a person progresses through knowledge, devotion, and adherence. That Christ may dwell by faith in your hearts (Ephesians 3:17).

   The second gift is charity, through which God is present in us by His effect. God is charity, and he who abides in charity abides in God, and God in him (1 John 4:16). For this reason, the apostle says, and the charity of every one of you towards each other abounds. In abundant justice there is the greatest strength (Proverbs 15:5). But concerning charity towards the brotherhood I have no need to write to you, for you yourselves have learned from God to love one another (1 Thessalonians 4:9).

7. Then he shows the fruit of their progress when he says, so that we ourselves also glory in you in the churches of God, because what is yours I consider mine. For the good of the disciples is the glory of their leader. A wise son brings joy to his father (Proverbs 10:1). Grandchildren are the crown of the aged (Proverbs 17:6). For which I boast about you (2 Corinthians 9:2).

8. Next, he points to a sign of their progress, namely patience, which is most apparent in tribulations. Blessed is the man who endures temptation (James 1:12).

   In tribulations, two things must be safeguarded: patience, so that we do not abandon the faith—patience has a perfect work (James 1:4)—and faith itself in the midst of persecutions. We are persecuted, but we endure it (1 Corinthians 4:12). Therefore, he says, and faith, and in all your persecutions and tribulations. The word “tribulations” comes from the Latin tribuli (thistles), by which we are pricked inwardly through afflictions. Thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you (Genesis 3:18). The troubles of my heart are multiplied (Psalms 24:17).

   The saints endure these tribulations for two reasons. The first is to strike fear into the wicked, for if God does not spare the good in this world, how will He spare the wicked in the next? And if judgment begins with us, what will be the end of those who do not believe the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17). Behold, those who were not condemned to drink the cup shall drink it, and will you escape as though you were innocent? (Jeremiah 49:12).

   The second reason is to increase merit. Therefore, he says, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God. For as it is said, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent bear it away (Matthew 11:12). And, Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and so enter into his glory? (Luke 24:26). Also, if we suffer with him, we shall also be glorified with him (Romans 8:17). Thus, he says, for which you also suffer. For tribulation borne for God’s sake makes one worthy of the kingdom of God. Blessed are they who suffer persecution (Matthew 5:10). Let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or a slanderer, or a coveter of others’ goods (1 Peter 4:15).