The thanksgiving of the letter began in 1 Thessalonians 1:2, and the first reason given by Paul for thanking God was that the Thessalonian believers gave evidence of the Christian virtues at work in their lives (1 Thessalonians 1:2–3). 1 Thessalonians 1:4–5 now gives the ultimate ground of the thanksgiving, namely, God’s election and calling.1 The virtues of faith, love, and hope were present in the Thessalonians’ lives due the fact that God had both chosen them in eternity and called them in time through the preaching of the gospel.
4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,