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In 1:3 Paul had expressed thanksgiving for the Thessalonians' steadfastness; now he offers thanks for their election. Because they are loved by the Lord (v.13), they ought not to be anxious about their destiny.
The NIV translation “from the beginning” (v.13) reflects one textual tradition (Gk. ap' archas). On this reading, Paul reassures the readers on the basis of God’s longstanding purpose. But a slightly stronger textual tradition reads “firstfruits” (Gk. aparchan). On this reading, Paul refers to the Thessalonians as the firstfruits of God’s salvation. Their assurance rests on this evidence of God’s saving purpose. On either reading, the Thessalonians can be confident in God’s purposes of salvation.
Salvation is theirs through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth (v.13). Wesleyans point to the necessary response by persons to the salvation offered in Christ. Sanctification, God’s transforming work in man (see Airhart, 523), also requires their belief (see 1:10). Belief itself is a gift of God’s prevenient grace and is not any human achievement. Sanctification is wrought by the Spirit because they believe the truth. Unlike those who refused to believe (v.12), they will share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ (v.14) at his parousia.
After this summary of his theology, Paul draws pastoral conclusions. Instead of being deceived (see 2:2-3), they should hold fast to the teachings (Gk. “traditions”) the missionaries had delivered. Paul believed that his gospel captured the grand purpose of God. It could not accommodate the aberrations that were being advanced by the alarmists and idlers in Thessalonica.