2 Thessalonians 2.13

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 (NKJV) 13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. 16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. Often we forget that salvation is a two-fold process – God chooses us and we believe the truth. Too many times we get hung up on the whole doctrine of election versus free will and forget that both are scriptural. Thus in verses 13 and 14 we have “a system of theology in miniature,” a marvelous summary of the scope of God’s purposes with His believing people. He has shown us that salvation “originates in a divine choice, is wrought out by divine power, is made effective through a divine message, and will be perfected in divine glory.” Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments Through sanctification of the Spirit. This clause tells how God chose them to salvation. To this there are two sides, the human and the divine. On the human side they believed the truth. On the divine side, God sanctified them by the Spirit. He had chosen from the beginning all that believe and accept the truth. PNT

Paul goes on to tell them to hold fast to what they were taught. This would of necessity imply that they reviewed and studied what he taught. Too many today are deceived because they have no foundation in the scriptures. Traditions (παραδοσεις) See on 1Co_11:2. Not emphasizing a distinction between written and oral tradition. Tradition, in the scriptural sense, may be either written or oral. It implies on the part of a teacher that he is not expressing his own ideas, but is delivering or handing over (παραδιδωμι) a message received from some one else. See 1Co_11:23. The prominent idea of παραδοσις is therefore that of an authority external to the teacher. Comp. by word nor by letter, 2Th_2:2. VWS

Paul ends this section with a benediction/prayer for the Thessalonians to know the love of God and His comfort. His prayer is also for God to establish them in every good word and deed. Don’t miss the expression every good word and work. Truth on our lips is not enough; it must be worked out in our life. So in our lives there should be the order of teaching and doing, doctrine and duty, preaching and practice. Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments