1:4 chosen you. Divine election is a theme of both Thessalonian epistles (5:9; 2 Thess. 2:13). Paul is not afraid to assure this young, predominantly Gentile congregation that they were elected by God. Paul sees in them the fruit of God’s electing grace, manifested in their response to the preaching of the gospel and their early progress in sanctification (2 Thess. 2:13 note).