God chose them (2:13-14)

God chose them (2:13-14). Paul calls the brothers' beloved of the Lord "(2:13). In fact, God loves all and desires the salvation of everyone (see John 3:16 and 1 Timothy 2:3-4), but Paul here refers to the special love that God has for those who are truly his children for their obedience the gospel (see John 1:12, 1 John 3:1). These loved ones have been chosen by God "from the beginning for salvation." The Lord made the plan to save the obedient men, like these, even before he formed the world (see Ephesians 1:3-5).

The salvation that God has planned "for the sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth" (2:13). God is holy and demands that those who approach him are also saints (the holy word means "separated", see 1 Peter 1:14-16). Who loves the truth does not walk like the world because the world acts by error and falsehood. Thus, God sanctifies whom does the truth (see John 17:17).

Therefore, it is necessary to know the truth in order to practice it. The Lord revealed the whole truth through the gospel, and he calls all people to obedience (2:14; see Romans 1:16-17, 1 Peter 1:22-25, etc.).. Those who obey the Gospel will be resurrected and glorified with Jesus, to be eternally in the presence of God (see Romans 6:3-9, 8:18-23, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, etc.)..

The duty of the elect (2:15). As we have seen, the mere knowledge of truth is not enough for salvation, because God sanctifies those who practice the truth. So Paul emphasizes to the Thessalonians brothers the need to continue with all firmness in the "traditions which you were taught" (2:15). We must understand that the religious traditions of men are strongly condemned by Jesus (see Matthew 15:1-20). Here, however, Paul uses the word to describe everything that he personally taught. When Paul taught in each place, and wrote the letters later, he spoke the truth of God in Christ Jesus (see 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 and 12-13, 14:37). As he taught the same thing in all the churches (see 1 Corinthians 7:17, 16:1, Galatians 1:1-2, Colossians 4:16, etc.). And brothers Paul practiced what he taught them the truth Christ became the "tradition" in the practice of the saints.

Prayer by the firmness of the chosen (2:16-17). God proved his love by giving them holy by his grace, which gives the word "everlasting consolation and good hope" (2:16). Since the brothers have proved faithful to their word, Paul prays that God may comfort their hearts, even amid the troubles, and stand firm on truth in whatever they do and say (2:17; see Colossians 3: 16-17).