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For while I say that similar things are written of the Son as of the Spirit, I am rather proceeding to the following point. My claim is not that because something is written of the Son, therefore it would appear to be reverently written of the Holy Spirit. Rather, I am contending against the argument that because the same is written of the Spirit, therefore the Son’s honor is lessened because of the Spirit. For they say, Is it not written of God the Father? But let them learn that it is also said of God the Father, “In the Lord I will praise the word,” and elsewhere, “In God we will do mighty deeds,” “My remembrance shall be ever in Thee,” and “In Thy name will we rejoice,” and again in another place, “That his deeds may be manifested, that they are wrought in God,” and by Paul, “In God, who created all things,” and again, “Paul and Silvanus and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

The greater part of men do and devise all things with a view to ingratiate themselves with rulers, and with those who are greater than themselves; and they account it a great thing, and think themselves happy, if they can obtain that object. But if to obtain favor with men is so great an advantage, how great must it be to find favor with God? On this account he always thus prefaces his Epistle, and invokes this upon them, knowing that if this be granted, there will be nothing afterwards grievous, but whatever troubles there may be, all will be done away. "Grace to you and peace," he says, "from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."

This blessed man therefore saw how great is the grace of God, and on this account he invokes it upon them. And another thing also he effects, wishing to render them well-disposed to the remaining part of the Epistle; that, though he should reprove and rebuke them, they might not break away from him. For this reason he reminds them before all things of the grace of God, mollifying their hearts, that, even if there be affliction, being reminded of the grace by which they were saved from the greater evil, they may not despair at the less, but may thence derive consolation. As also elsewhere in an Epistle he has said, "For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by His life."

When God bestows grace upon someone, then nothing is unbearable for that person, but everything is easily endured and passes. This is why the Apostle Paul, knowing how great a blessing grace is in life, prayerfully wishes it for the Thessalonians. For if it is with them, they will not only not feel the burden of temptations, but will even remain untroubled and at peace, enjoying the "peace" of God. He also reminds them of the grace of God so that, if temptations should come upon them, they, remembering the grace by which they were saved, might be comforted, and, strengthened in spirit by the precious blessings previously received, might not despair when encountering insignificant trials and deprivations.

Then he wishes goods for them, and first of all peace. For peace is the beginning of all the spiritual gifts. “By the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Cor 15:10). Similarly, he wishes for them the grace that is men's end. “Who makes your ends peace” (Ps 147:14). And this is “from God our Father.” “Every best and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (Jas 1:17). “And from the Lord Jesus Christ,” “through whom he has given us great and precious promises” (2 Pet 1:4).