Thomas Aquinas, on 1Thess 3:3

“That no man should be moved in these tribulations: for yourselves know, that we are appointed thereunto.”

“Paul says, to establish and to exhort you, for the soul of a man is strengthened through encouragement: "Your words have upheld him who was stumbling" (Job 4:4). "When you have turned again, strengthen your brethren" (Lk. 22:32). And you are in need of encouragement in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. "If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place" (Ec. 10:4). And there is a twofold consideration strengthening them. The first is related to a divine ordination: You yourselves know that this is to be our lot, almost as if implying that God ordained that you shall enter into heaven through tribulations: "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God" (Ac. 14:22). "All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Tim. 3:12). Christ Himself traveled this path as is shown in Luke (24:46): "Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?"”

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