2 ¹³ BUT WE ARE BOUND to thank God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because from the beginning of time God chose you Some witnesses read: because God chose you as his firstfruits ... to find salvation in the Spirit that consecrates you, and in the truth that you believe. 2 ¹⁴ It was for this that he called you through the gospel we brought, so that you might possess for your own the splendour of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 ¹⁵ Stand firm, then, brothers, and hold fast to the traditions which you have learned from us by word or by letter.

2 ¹⁶ And may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has shown us such love, and in his grace has given us such unfailing encouragement and such bright hopes, 2 ¹⁷ still encourage and fortify you in every good deed and word!