Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians’ Faith

² We always thank God for all of you^(A) and continually mention you in our prayers.^{(B) 3} We remember before our God and Father^(C) your work produced by faith,^(D) your labor prompted by love,^(E) and your endurance inspired by hope^(F) in our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁴ For we know, brothers and sisters^[a] loved by God,^(G) that he has chosen you, ⁵ because our gospel^(H) came to you not simply with words but also with power,^(I) with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know^(J) how we lived among you for your sake.

¹⁷ Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message,^(A) and the message is heard through the word about Christ.^(B)

⁹ But you are a chosen people,^(A) a royal priesthood,^(B) a holy nation,^(C) God’s special possession,^(D) that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.^(E)

¹¹ In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin^(A) but alive to God in Christ Jesus.