2 Thessalonians 2:13

Bound to give thanks. Compare on chapter 1:3. A transition takes place here. Having completed his discourse on the “man of sin” and the “Wicked” one (verses 1-12), the apostle thinks of the wonderful provision God has made in the gospel so that none need be deceived and lost. He is also encouraging his readers after presenting the somber picture found in verses 1-12.

Beloved of the Lord. Compare on 1 Thessalonians 1:4, where the converts are described, literally, as “beloved of God.”

From the beginning. Textual evidence may also be cited (cf. p. 10) for the reading “first fruits,” or “first converts” (RSV, margin), but the KJV rendering is to be preferred as possibly meaning “from eternity” (cf. 1 John 1:1; 2:13). Paul is reminding his readers that God had chosen them “from the beginning.” This is parallel to the thought expressed in other epistles (Ephesians 1:4; 2 Timothy 1:9). Compare on Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:11; 1 Peter 1:20; Revelation 13:8; cf. DA 22).

Chosen you. Compare on Ephesians 1:4; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4; 5:9. That this choice is not an arbitrary choice on God’s part is shown by the qualifying words that follow. The choice is contingent upon the sanctification of the chosen ones.

Through sanctification of the Spirit. Or, “in sanctification of spirit.” It is recognized, however, that all true sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit (cf. on 1 Peter 1:2). Such sanctification, together with “belief of the truth,” is the means through which salvation is effected in the believer’s life.

Belief of the truth. This stands in striking opposition to belief of, literally, “the he” (v. 11), which results from falling victim to the deceptions of Antichrist.