Thomas Aquinas, on 1Thess 2:3

“For our exhortation was not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in deceit:”

“Then when he says: for our appeal does not spring from error, he shows the sound character of his preaching; and in showing this, Paul does two things. First, he exhibits the sound character of his doctrine; secondly, he explains certain matters he had remarked upon (2:4). In treating the first point, Paul does two things. First, he rules out the possibility of error in the doctrine; secondly, he imputes integrity to his doctrine (2:4). A doctrine, however, may become corrupt either because of the matter taught or because of the teacher's intention. In relation to the first point, a doctrine may be corrupted in two ways: through error, for example, to teach that salvation is through Christ according to the Law: "Evil men and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceivers and deceived" (2 Tim. 3:13). So Paul remarks, our appeal does not spring, like that of some, from error. Or the corruption may occur through adulteration, as is the case with those saying that one should indulge in pleasures. This teaching is derived from a certain Nicolaus who permitted promiscuous marriages and even gave his wife to others. So Paul adds, or uncleanness: "But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and beguiling my servants to practice immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols" (Rev. 2:20). "Is there any wrong on my tongue?" (Job 6:30). Furthermore, his preaching is not with guile as it is with some who, though speaking the truth, nevertheless have a false intention; for they do not will the development of their listeners nor the honor of God, but they desire their own honor; and against this Paul says: nor with guile. "Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceitfully" (Jer. 9:8).”

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