We know, my brothers who are dearly loved by God, about your election [i.e., that you were chosen by God because of your obedient faith],

And so, since we have such deep affection for you, we were very pleased to share with you, not only the Gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.

And because of this we also thank God continually that, when you people received the message of God, which you heard from us, you did not accept it as a message from [mere] human beings, but as it truly is, the message from God, which is at work in you believers.

So, brothers, through all of our distress and persecution, we were encouraged over you because of your faith,

And regard them very highly, in a loving way, because of the work they do. You should live at peace with one another.