He thanks God for them, that they are so steadfast in faith & good works, and receive the gospel with such earnestness.  

1 Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy.

To the congregation of the Thessalonians in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace be with you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

² We give God thanks always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers without ceasing, ³ and call to remembrance your work in the faith and labour in love, and perseverance in the hope of our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of God our Father, ⁴ because we know, brethren beloved of God, that you are elect. ⁵ For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and also in the Holy Spirit – and in much confidence, as you know how we conducted ourselves among you for your sakes.

⁶ And you became followers of us and of the Lord, and received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, ⁷ so that you were an example to all who believe in Macedonia and Achaia. ⁸ For the word of the Lord sounded out from you – not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but the faith that you have in God went abroad in all quarters, so greatly that it is not necessary for us to say anything at all. ⁹ For people themselves speak of you: what manner of entry we had in to you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve the living and true God, ¹⁰ and to look for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from death; I mean Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.