We know, brothers{The word for "brothers" here and where context allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."} loved by God, that you are chosen,
beloved, your election of God: The Thessalonian brethren are beloved. Having been loved in the past, they continue to be loved of God. They are elect; God has chosen them. If, as some suppose, election is an arbitrary choice in the mind of God, Paul could not have referred to the Thessalonians as elect because, not being privy to God’s thoughts, he could not possibly have known whether they were numbered among the elect. His knowledge of their divine election is based on empirical evidence. The evidence is manifested in the triad of virtues mentioned in the previous verse. The gospel produces results. The effect of the gospel upon them is proof of their election.