We have had opportunity to review a number of external factors that may have contributed to the writing of 1 Thessalonians, as well as to observe some strategies and goals of the Apostle as he responds to the dilemmas occasioned by these circumstances. Now it is necessary to turn directly to the theological content of Paul's attempt to encourage and console the Christians of Thessalonica.

ELECTION BY THE LIVING AND TRUE GOD

God is the one who is present among his elect and suffering people and who is leading them to their promised salvation. This thematic emphasis in 1 Thessalonians is intended as a response to the situations created by persecution and martyrdom as well as to the challenge of living the Christian life as God's elect in the midst of a pagan culture.

The motif of election is a key theological component of this letter. The concept is expressed or referred to in the following texts: ekklēsia in 1:1; eklogēn in 1:4; kalountas in 2:12; ekalesen in 4:7 and kalōn in 5:24. In all cases except the second these expressions are linked to the verb kaleō (I call). In the case of eklogēn it is related to the verb eklegō (I choose). In attempting to determine Paul's intent in using this concept of ‘calling’ or ‘election’, the most telling use of the motif is found in 1:4 – eklogēn.