2 Thessalonians 2:13

¶ But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

But {G1161} we {G2249} are bound {G3784} to give thanks {G2168} alway {G3842} to God {G2316} for {G4012} you {G5216}, brethren {G80} beloved {G25} of {G5259} the Lord {G2962}, because {G3754} God {G2316} hath {G138} from {G575} the beginning {G746} chosen {G138} you {G5209} to {G1519} salvation {G4991} through {G1722} sanctification {G38} of the Spirit {G4151} and {G2532} belief {G4102} of the truth {G225}:

But we have to keep thanking God for you always, brothers whom the Lord loves, because God chose you as firstfruits for deliverance by giving you the holiness that has its origin in the Spirit and the faithfulness that has its origin in the truth.

But we should always thank God for you, brothers who are loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning to be saved by the sanctification of the Spirit and by faith in the truth.

But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, for that God chose you from the beginning unto salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

This verse transitions from Paul's description of the great apostasy and the man of sin (2 Thessalonians 2:3-12) to offer a stark contrast and a message of assurance for the believers in Thessalonica.

Context

Immediately following a passage detailing God's judgment on those who reject the truth and believe the lie, Paul turns his attention back to the Thessalonian believers. He expresses profound gratitude for them, highlighting their different destiny, which is rooted in God's eternal plan and their response of faith in the truth. This verse serves as a powerful encouragement, reminding them that despite the coming deception and judgment described earlier, their standing before God is secure.

Key Themes

  • Thanksgiving: Paul emphasizes a constant duty to thank God for the Thessalonian believers, underscoring their spiritual state as a work of divine grace.
  • Divine Election: The phrase "God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation" points to God's sovereign, eternal purpose in selecting individuals for salvation.
  • Salvation: The ultimate goal of God's choice is deliverance and eternal life.
  • Means of Salvation: The verse specifies the instruments through which God's election is realized: "sanctification of the Spirit" and "belief of the truth." This is not election *apart* from human response, but election *unto* a process that includes the Spirit's work and personal faith.
  • Beloved of the Lord: This affectionate term highlights their cherished status in God's sight, a direct contrast to those who are given over to deception.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "from the beginning" (Greek: apo archēs) can refer to the beginning of time, creation, or even eternity past, emphasizing the eternal nature of God's plan for their salvation. "Sanctification" (Greek: hagiasmos) means 'holiness' or 'setting apart'. It refers to the work of the Holy Spirit in making believers holy and setting them apart for God's purposes, a process that begins at conversion and continues throughout life. "Belief of the truth" (Greek: pistei alētheias) directly contrasts with believing the lie mentioned in the preceding verses (2 Thessalonians 2:11). It signifies not just intellectual assent, but a trusting embrace of the gospel message.

Reflection and Application

This verse provides immense comfort and a basis for profound gratitude for believers today. It reminds us that our salvation is not merely a result of our own will or effort, but is rooted in God's eternal, loving choice. The fact that God chose us "from the beginning" should strengthen our assurance, knowing His purpose for us is steadfast. Furthermore, it highlights the essential partnership in salvation: God's sovereign choice works through the purifying power of the Holy Spirit and our personal decision to believe the truth of the gospel. This should motivate us to continue yielding to the Spirit's work in our lives and standing firm in the truth, especially in a world filled with deception. We are called to live lives of thanksgiving, recognizing that our standing as "beloved of the Lord" is a gift from Him.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Timothy 1:9

    Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:9

    For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

  • Ephesians 1:4

    According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

  • Ephesians 1:5

    Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:4

    Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:3

    We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

  • Romans 9:11

    (For [the children] being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
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