^{13 Ref} But we are bound to always give thanks to God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth;

^{14 Ref} to which he called you through our Gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

^{15 Ref} So then, brothers, stand firm, and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, whether by word, or by letter.

^{16 Ref} Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace,