1 PAUL, and Silvanus, [Silas] and Timotheus, [Timothy] unto the church [Pauls first epistle written to the members of the church] of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;

3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience [ "Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what is best-better than does God. Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than His. We can grow in faith only if we are willing to wait patiently for God's purposes and patterns to unfold in our lives, on His timetable." ~ NEAL A. MAXWELL ] of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, [in otherwords anyone can teach the words of God - but you received more than just the words alone] but also in power, [possession of controlling a influence, and were does the power come from? God] and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; [gave them the knowledge that it was true with repeated promptings, witness and testimonies] as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word [How does one eceive the word? gets that personal revelation from the spirit that it is true] in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

7 so that ye were ensamples [you have done a good job being examples I am proud of you. Remember these saints have been and are under sever persecution - so he is trying to build them up a little. ] to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

9 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

10 And to wait for his son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come. [the purpose of the gospel is to prepare the saints for the hour of judgement]