Theophylact of Ohrid, on 1Thess 2:12

“We testified to every one of you, that you would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.”

“It is remarkable how he left no one without consolation, but said to each one what was needed! They "exhorted" them to endure all things courageously. Therefore, he says, I did not seek glory. Above, the apostle likened himself to a nurse; now he likens himself to a father, showing his love, his authority, and his simplicity. For what father conducts himself proudly before his children? To exhort (in the Slavonic text – "to testify") – this is already a sign of very strict instruction. Therefore, I, he says, did not flatter. After saying "as a father," he added also the word "exhorted" ("testifying"). For not strictly, he says, but as fathers (testifying) "to walk worthy of God." See how, in recounting what happened before, he both teaches and persuades. For if God calls us into the Kingdom, then we must endure all things.”

Imported from an open dataset — not yet checked against the printed edition.