He now, leaving out of view the testimony of other Churches, reminds the Thessalonians of what they had themselves experienced, and explains at large in what way he, and in like manner the two others, his associates, had conducted themselves among them, inasmuch as this was of the greatest…

Not as pleasing men. What is meant by pleasing men has been explained in the Epistle to the Galatians, and this passage, also, shews it admirably. For Paul contrasts pleasing men, and pleasing God, as things that are opposed to each other.

When he adds, nor for an occasion of covetousness, he means that he had not, in teaching among them, been in quest of anything in the way of personal gain.

What we have rendered mild, the old translator renders Fuimus parvuli, (we have been little) but the reading which I have followed is more generally received among the Greeks; but whichever you may take, there can be no doubt that he makes mention of his voluntary abasement. As if a nurse.

Some render the participle παραμυθουμένοι, comforted. If we adopt this rendering, he means that he made use of consolations in dealing with the afflicted, who need to be sustained by the grace of God, and refreshed by tasting of heavenly blessings, that they may not lose heart or become impatient.

Hence we learn from this passage what credit ought to be given to the gospel – such as does not depend on the authority of men, but, resting on the sure and ascertained truth of God, raises itself above the world; and, in fine, is as far above mere opinion, as heaven is above earth: and, secondly,…

In the mean time, he prudently provides against a dangerous temptation which might prostrate or harass them; for they endured grievous troubles from that nation which was the only one in the world that gloried in the name of God.

“Behold,” says he, “the virtues for which they deserve praise among the good and pious! – they killed their own prophets and at last the Son of God, they have persecuted me his servant, they wage war with God, they are detested by the whole world, they are hostile to the salvation of the Gentiles;…

For wrath has come. He means that they are in an utterly hopeless state, inasmuch as they are vessels of the Lord’s wrath. “The just vengeance of God presses upon them and pursues them, and will not leave them until they perish – as is the case with all the reprobate, who rush on headlong to death,…

This is followed by a correction – that he had been separated from them in appearance, not in heart, that they may know that distance of place does not by any means lessen his attachment.

wrestle not with flesh and blood, but with principalities of the air, and spiritual wickednesses, etc. For, whenever the wicked molest us, they fight under Satan’s banner, and are his instruments for harassing us.