In addition to praising and glorifying God for his work in the Thessalonians’ lives, part of Paul’s purpose in 1 Thessalonians 1:4–5 is to reassure the believers in Thessalonica. In the crucible of persecution it must have been easy for them to wonder if they had been right to forsake the religions of their city in order to follow Jesus. Paul therefore encourages them by assuring them that they have been chosen by God.1
4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,