But we are obligated to give thanks to the God always concerning you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because the God preferred you from a beginning unto salvation by sanctification in the Spirit and faith of truth, unto which He called you through our gospel unto obtaining a proper opinion of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:13–14).
When Paul uses the term “the God,” he is usually referring to God the Father. Thanksgiving is an attitude of gratitude primarily directed at God the Father. In his letters, Paul often expresses appreciation to God for the saints (Colossians 1:3), along with gratitude for what God has done (Colossians 1:12).
In Thessalonica, some were claiming that the day of Christ had already come, which is the day when the Church is raptured from the earth, and the tribulation had begun (2 Thessalonians 2:1). After explaining that the tribulation cannot happen until after the Church has been removed from the earth, Paul explains what will happen when the Man of Lawlessness comes (2 Thessalonians 2:2–8). He will come according to the working of Satan with all inherent ability, signs, and lying wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:9). Those who did not receive the love of the truth will be deceived by the Man of Lawlessness so that they are condemned because they would not believe the truth and took pleasure in unrighteousness (2 Thessalonians 2:10–12).
However, God has preferred these saints, saving them through Jesus Christ from the wrath to come (Romans 5:9). Although often rendered “chose” in many English translations, Paul uses a word that means to take, or prefer as an option. In Philippians 1:22, Paul uses this same word when discussing whether he should stay for the sake of the saints, or go to be with the Lord. He also uses this same word concerning Moses’ preference to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than enjoy the passing pleasures of sin as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter (Hebrews 11:25).
This preference for the saints in Thessalonica to receive salvation was displayed through their calling by Paul’s gospel. He proclaimed that salvation comes by believing that Christ died on behalf of our sins and was resurrected on the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). This message has the inherent ability to save (Romans 1:16). They were set apart by the Spirit and believed the truth, unlike those who did not believe the truth and took pleasure in unrighteousness.
Therefore, Paul encourages them to stand fast in the traditions they were taught by both word and letter (2 Thessalonians 2:15). And they can find comfort in hope by grace, given to them by the Lord Jesus Christ, who will establish them in every good word and work (2 Thessalonians 2:16).
