The greeting places the Thessalonian congregation within the saving sphere of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the assembly of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul gives thanks because the marks of grace are not hidden; they are visible in work, labor, and endurance.
2 We always give thanks to God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers,
3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and perseverance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father.
The gospel's arrival in power, the Holy Spirit, and deep conviction explains the reality of their conversion.
4 We know, brothers loved by God, that you are chosen,
5 and that our Good News came to you not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance. You know what kind of men we showed ourselves to be among you for your sake.
Their imitation of the Lord and the apostolic messengers is shown in receiving the message under pressure without surrendering joy.
6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,
Their faith becomes a regional testimony, making them an example to other believers.
7 so that you became an example to all who believe in Macedonia and in Achaia.
8 For from you the word of the Lord has been declared, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone out, so that we need not to say anything.
The chapter closes with a compact account of conversion: turning from false gods, serving the living and true God, and waiting for the risen Son who rescues from wrath.
9 For they themselves report concerning us what kind of a reception we had from you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God,
10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead: Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.