1 Thessalonians 1:4

Knowing. A reference to a fact that is generally conceded (cf. on Rom. 3:19).

Brethren. This term, used 19 times in its singular or plural form in this epistle, indicates Paul’s intimate affection for the Christians in Thessalonica.

Election. Gr. ekloge, “the process of choice” (see on Rom. 9:11). God had chosen the Thessalonian believers to salvation through “sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth” (2 Thess. 2:13). That the apostle did not here speak of any absolute election of the Thessalonian church as a whole is borne out by his later expression of fear that some of them might fall under temptation and his labor be in vain (1 Thess. 3:5). For a fuller discussion of election and predestination see on John 3:17-19; Rom. 8:29; 9:11; 11:5; Eph. 1:4-14; 3:11. Nowhere in the Scriptures is there any warrant for the doctrine that God has predestined some individuals to eternal life, with its revolting corollary that He has predestined the rest of mankind to eternal destruction. The true Bible doctrine of election involves both the will of God and the will of man.

Of God. As shown by the Greek, this phrase should qualify the word “beloved” instead of being attached to “your elections,” so that the expression reads, “brethren beloved of God.” This description conveys both the love of the apostle and the love of God for the Thessalonian believers (cf. Rom. 1:7; 2 Thess. 2:13).