Theodoret of Cyrus: Tradition of Deeds not Words

From this point, he then treats of those transgressing the apostolic decrees. We bid you, brethren, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (v.6). He made his words creditable by mention of the Lord: He it is (he is saying) who makes this requirement of you. And what is his bidding? Avoid any of the brethren conducting themselves in disorderly fashion and not according to the tradition they received from us. He used the word avoid to mean separate yourself. The tradition he speaks of is not that in words but in deeds; he also brings out what it is: After all, you yourselves know how you must imitate us, that we were not disorderly when amongst you (v.7). What kind of disorder is it? We did not eat bread from anyone without paying but by hard work and toil, working day and night, so as not to be a burden to any of you (v.8): you are well aware that in proposing to you the divine Gospel we took nothing from anyone; rather, we spent night and day hard at work so as to gain necessary nourishment from it.

- Theodoret of Cyrus (around A.D. 393 to around A.D. 457), Commentary on the Second Letter to the Thessalonians, Chapter 3, in Theodoret of Cyrus, Commentary on the Letters of St. Paul, Volume 2, p. 132 (2001), Robert C. Hill translator.

Theodoret of Cyrus: Free Will Response to Gospel

Finally, pray for us, brethren, that the word of the Lord may advance and be glorified, as it has among you, too, and that you may be rescued from perverse and evil people (vv.1-2). While the request seems two-fold, it is nonetheless one: with evil people overcome, the preached word will advance unhindered. Not all, you see, have faith. He said this elsewhere as well, "Persuasion does not come from the one who calls:" calling belongs to God, responding to you. The Lord spoke this way also in the sacred Gospels, "If anyone is thirsty, let them come to me and drink," and "If anyone wishes to come after me, let them deny themselves, take up their cross and follow me." In other words, he does not exercise pressure: he looks for free will.

- Theodoret of Cyrus (around A.D. 393 to around A.D. 457), Commentary on the Second Letter to the Thessalonians, Chapter 3, in Theodoret of Cyrus, Commentary on the Letters of St. Paul, Volume 2, p. 131 (2001), Robert C. Hill translator.

Theodoret of Cyrus: Triumph of Gospel over Superstition

The mystery of iniquity is in fact already at work (v.7). Some commentators claimed that to Nero is given the name mystery of iniquity, and that he had become a worker of godlessness. It is my view, on the contrary, that the apostle is indicating the heresies that had sprung up: by leading many from the truth through them, the devil causes in advance the ruin of deceit. These people he referred to as mystery of iniquity for keeping the snares of iniquity hidden; the devil openly draws people away from God. Hence the apostle referred to his coming as revelation: he will then openly and plainly proclaim what he has constantly been working at in secret. Only until the one who is restraining it is taken away: the deception of superstition must be brought to an end, and the Gospel be preached.

- Theodoret of Cyrus (around A.D. 393 to around A.D. 457), Commentary on the Second Letter to the Thessalonians, Chapter 2, in Theodoret of Cyrus, Commentary on the Letters of St. Paul, Volume 2, p. 129 (2001), Robert C. Hill translator.