1 Thessalonians 1:4
Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
Original Language Analysis
εἰδότες
Knowing
G1492
εἰδότες
Knowing
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 8
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ἀδελφοὶ
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοὶ
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
2 of 8
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
4 of 8
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
5 of 8
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 8
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Thessalonians 2:13But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:2 Peter 1:10Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:Romans 9:25As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.Colossians 3:12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;Ephesians 1:4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:Romans 1:7To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.1 Peter 1:2Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
Historical Context
The Thessalonians needed assurance because their conversion cost them dearly. Turning from idols meant economic loss (no longer participating in guild feasts honoring pagan gods), social ostracism (breaking family ties to follow Christ), and physical danger (Acts 17:5-9). Paul reminds them that these sufferings don't contradict but confirm God's election—He chose them knowing full well the cost they would pay, and He provides grace sufficient for perseverance.
Questions for Reflection
- What observable evidences in your life confirm that God's election preceded your faith response?
- How does understanding election as God's prior, unconditional choice change your assurance during trials?
- Why is the doctrine of election more comforting than threatening to a persecuted church, and how does this perspective challenge cultural Christianity?
Analysis & Commentary
Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God—eklogen (ἐκλογήν, 'election/choice') introduces one of Paul's most profound theological themes: God's sovereign choice precedes human response. The perfect participle ēgapēmenoi (ἠγαπημένοι, 'having been loved') indicates God's prior love, not contingent on human action. Paul 'knows' their election not through mystical insight but through observable evidence: their response to the gospel (v. 5), transformation from idols (v. 9), and perseverance in affliction (v. 6).
The doctrine of election comforts the persecuted church—their suffering doesn't indicate God's rejection but confirms His choice. If God elected them before they chose Him, persecution cannot separate them from His love (Rom 8:33-39). This isn't fatalistic determinism but confident assurance: the God who began the work will complete it (Phil 1:6). The Thessalonians' visible fruit (faith, love, hope) evidenced invisible election, proving conversion's genuineness.