Chosen for Salvation: Stand Firm and Hold the Apostolic Teaching

Paul turns from deception to thanksgiving. The Thessalonians are loved by the Lord, chosen for salvation, sanctified by the Spirit, and called through the gospel to obtain the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Verse 13 has a real textual variant: important manuscripts read either “as firstfruits” or “from the beginning.” The decision is difficult and explains differences among English Bibles.

Paul tells them to hold the “traditions” taught by the apostles orally or by an authentic letter. In context this means authoritative teaching they actually received from Paul and his coworkers; it does not by itself certify every later Christian custom as apostolic.