When, however, he adds – that the word of God may have its course, he shows that he has not so much concern and regard for himself personally, as for the entire Church. For why does he desire to be recommended to the prayers of the Thessalonians? That the doctrine of the gospel may have its course.

All have not faith. This might be explained to mean, “Faith is not in all.” This expression, however, were both ambiguous and more obscure. Let us therefore retain Paul’s words, by which he intimates that faith is a gift of God that is too rare to be found in all.

God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tried above that ye are able to bear. These words, however, themselves shew that Paul was more anxious as to others than as to himself. Malicious men directed against him the stings of their malignity; the whole violence of it fell upon him.

As, however, he states here in a summary manner the things that he knew to be most necessary for Christians, let every one make it his endeavor to make proficiency in these two things, in so far as he desires to make progress towards perfection.

Not according to the injunction — namely, that which we shall find him shortly afterwards adding – that food should not be given to the man that refuses to labor. Before coming to this, however, he states what example he has given them in his own person.

Thou art blessed, eating of the labor of thy hands, also in Prov. 10:4, The blessing of the Lord is upon the hands of him that laboreth, it is certain that indolence and idleness are accursed of God. Besides, we know that man was created with this view, that he might do something.

But what does the Spirit say, on the other hand, by the mouth of Paul? He pronounces them all to be irregular and disorderly, by whatever name of distinction they may be dignified.

Drink water, says Solomon, from thine own fountains, and let the streams flow down to neighbors. This is the first law of equity, that no one make use of what belongs to another, but only use what he can properly call his own.

Keep no company. I have no doubt that he refers to excommunication; for, besides that the (ἀταξία) disorder to which he had adverted deserved a severe chastisement, contumacy is an intolerable vice.

We must observe, however, by what sign he would have brotherly love shewn – not by allurements or flattery, but by admonitions; for in this way it will be, that all that will not be incurable will feel that concern is felt for their welfare.