ISB ~ 1 Thessalonians 1 v3

remembering:Paul recalls the time he first spent with his readers.

What stands out in his mind are the theological virtues that changed their lives:in faith they abandoned their idols and embraced the living God (1:9); in hope they endured suffering and expressed longing for the final salvation that Jesus will bring when he returns (1:10; 5:9); and in love they served one another in generous and sacrificial ways (4:9-10). These virtues will protect them like armor in the challenging days ahead (5:8). Paul often reflects on this triad of Christian virtues in his writings (Rom 5:1-5; 1 Cor 13:8-13; Gal 5:5-6; Col 1:4-5) (CCC 1812-29). See note on 1 Cor 13:13.