ACC ~ 1 Thessalonians 1 v5

YOUR CONVERSION FROM GOD. THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: For you know, he says, how you came to be chosen (that is, how you arrived at faith), for you did not believe solely by means of our words. Indeed, we not only spoke but also showed wonders, great and glorious and worked by the Spirit, by which you were strengthened with regard to the things we had spoken to you. Hold on tightly to what you have learned, and don’t be deflected from your course by the external things that happen to you. COMMENTARY ON 1 THESSALONIANS.

RECEIVING THE SPIRIT. GREGORY OF NYSSA: Thus, the obedient and responsive soul gives itself over to the virtuous life. This life is freedom itself, on the one hand, from the chains of this life, separating itself from the slavery of base and empty pursuits. On the other hand, this soul devotes itself to faith and the life of God alone, because it sees clearly that where there is faith, reverence and a blameless life, there is present the power of Christ, there is flight from all evil and from death which robs us of life. For shameful things do not have in themselves sufficient power to compete with the power of the Lord. It is their nature to develop from disobedience to his commands. This was experienced in ancient times by the first man, but now it is experienced by all of us when we imitate Adam’s disobedience through stubborn choice. However, those who approach the Spirit with honest intent, unfeigned faith and an undefiled conscience, are cleansed by the Spirit according to the one who says, “for our gospel was not delivered to you in word only, but in power also; and in the Holy Spirit and in much fullness, as you know.” ON THE CHRISTIAN MODE OF LIFE.

PAUL’S HUMILITY. AMBROSIASTER: 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.

THE NATURE OF SPIRITUAL POWER. PELAGIUS: The reception of the gospel by the Thessalonians “in power” may mean that Paul’s preaching was accompanied by miraculous signs, but it may also mean that it strengthened the Thessalonians for much endurance in suffering. PELAGIUS’S COMMENTARY ON THE FIRST LETTER TO THE THESSALONIANS.

Col