1 Thessalonians 1:4
What does 1 Thessalonians 1:4 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 1:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 1:4 means
Calling them “brethren beloved of God,” Paul states he knows their election—their being chosen by God. This is not a claim to read hidden decrees but a pastoral conviction drawn from observable fruit and the manner the gospel came to them. Election rests in God’s love, not human merit; therefore their perseverance amid hardship is a sign of God’s gracious initiative. Addressing them as beloved family gives warmth to a weighty doctrine. Paul’s assurance aims to comfort, not to promote pride, by pointing them away from themselves to the God who has set His love upon them in Christ.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000knowing, brethren beloved of God, your election,
KJV
King James Version · 1611Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901knowing, brethren beloved of God, your election,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Being conscious, my brothers, dear to God, that you have been marked out by God's purpose;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862having known, brethren beloved, by God, your election,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Knowing, brethren, beloved of God, your election:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890knowing, brethren beloved byGod, your election.
Context
Verse 4 follows the description of their faith, love, and hope in verse 3, drawing a theological conclusion: such fruit reflects God’s electing love. It prepares for verse 5, which explains how the gospel’s powerful arrival among them confirms this reality. The flow moves from evidence (their life), to assurance (their election), to explanation (the Spirit’s power), forming a tight argument that their experience is genuinely of God.
v.3remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father;
v.4This passage
v.5how that our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance; even as ye know what manner of men we showed ourselves toward you for your sake.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Timothy 1:9
who saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,
- Romans 1:7
to all that are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
- Romans 8:28
And we know that to them that love God all things work together for good, even to them that are called according to his purpose.
- 2 Peter 1:10
Wherefore, brethren, give the more diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never stumble:
- Colossians 3:12
Put on therefore, as God’s elect, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, longsuffering;
- Titus 3:4
But when the kindness of God our Saviour, and his love toward man, appeared,
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