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The Thessalonians are among the elect (chosen) of God. Paul’s view of election has several undergirding themes. First, the stress is on God’s initiative: God elects. Second, Jesus is the Elect One, par excellence. Those who are in Christ are the elect, and believers are corporately elect only in Christ (see Eph 1). Third, election does not imply that God has withheld salvation from anyone. Finally, the elect are those whose lives demonstrate election. The Thessalonians are living exemplary lives. Hence, they are demonstrably elect. The Wesleyan understanding of the doctrine of election follows Paul closely.
Paul proclaims the Gospel in the power of the Spirit. Miraculous deeds sometimes accompanied this proclamation (see, e.g., Gal 3:5). But attention here is entirely upon the impeccable behaviour of the missionaries. Their public image is consistent with private reality.
Paul urges his converts to imitate him (see 1Co 11:1), even in suffering (2:14). They are prepared to do so. In turn, with characteristic hyperbole (see Ro 1:8; 2Co 2:14; Col 1:6), Paul notes that their “faith in God has become known everywhere” (v.8).
In the NT, “suffering” (Gk. thlipsis, “tribulation”) is the normal experience of the Christian (see Jn 16:33; Ac 14:22; Ro 8:17). Joy given by the Spirit characterizes the Christian response to tribulation.
The Thessalonians turned to God from idols, an OT phrase that suggests they had been pagans. Now they are to live holy lives in response to their salvation and in expectation of deliverance from the coming wrath (see Jer 10:10).
Wrath is the just reaction of a holy God to wickedness. It is seen in the mess that humanity has created in its rebellion against God (see Ro 1:18-32). Within the consequences of human choice, God’s judgment is evident. But the wrath of God also will be experienced when God brings final judgment on all ungodliness. Here Paul refers to that future judgment.