13But we ought to give thanks to God for you always, brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits^* for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in truth.^g 14To this end he has [also] called you through our gospel to possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.^h 15Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours.^*

16May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace, 17encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word.