There are two points to be noted here in this comparison instituted by Paul between his conduct and that of a father.
I. He could say, as a wise father suits his dealings, both in training and teaching, to the case, the requirements of each child, so he acted towards his converts, "every one of you." It was no general relation in which he stood to them. He dealt with each individual soul. He adapted his teaching to each case, giving to each a portion in due season. The religion of Jesus Christ takes account of each, tenderly deals with each, and thus advances till the number of His people be gathered in. Its foundation rests on individual conviction. Individualism, not multitudinism, is the word that represents the law of its growth. It makes its appeal to each separate conscience, and it is only in so far as it does so, that it comes to leaven the whole mass of human society.
II. But the other point in the comparison here made is, as a father is eager, intensely earnest, in giving his children right guidance and instruction, so was Paul in his yearning care of his converts. As he had described his general behaviour in three terms, so he describes his ministry in a threefold way. He says exhorted and comforted and charged. Each one brought under the range of his influence was dealt with in the way most suited to his case; that so all might walk worthy of God, who hath called them unto His own kingdom and glory: one member of the Church needing exhortation, a second comfort, and a third solid charging. But the end aimed at in them all is one and the same, a walking worthy of their calling from on high. Believers walk worthy of their destiny and glory when they lovingly look forward to it, when they are longing of heart,
"Send hope before to grasp it
Till hope be lost in sight."
And we can rightly look forward to it only when we strive in Divine strength to prepare for it.
J. Hutchison, Lectures on Thessalonians,p. 75.
Reference: 1 Thessalonians 2:13. E. Cooper, Practical Sermons,vol. i., p. 1.