Charles Spurgeon Commentary 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4

"We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention [of you] in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father; knowing, brethren beloved of God, your election," — 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4 (ASV)

Paul had a very high opinion of the Church in Thessalonica, and no doubt it deserved it. See how he speaks of it — with such confidence. Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. (1 Thessalonians 1:4)

Their character was such that he felt sure that he saw the mark of God's elect about them, and he speaks most positively of them — perhaps more positively than he does of any other church. Well, there were three grand signs. There was the work of faith, the labour of love, and the patience of hope; and where we see these three works of the Spirit, we may be fully persuaded that electing love is there.