## But ##

"but" marks a change in topic.

## we should always give thanks ##

"We should frequently give thanks." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

## we ##

The pronoun "we" refers to Paul, Silas, and Timothy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]])

## you ##

"you" is plural and refers to the believers in the Thessalonian church. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]]).

## brothers loved by the Lord ##

"for the lord loves you, brothers," (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

## as the first fruits for salvation ##

"to be among the first people to believe" (UDB)

## in sanctification of the Spirit ##

"that God would save and set you apart for himself by means of his Spirit" (UDB)

## belief in the truth ##

"trust in the truth" or "have confidence in the truth"

##  grasp the traditions ##

These traditions are those teachings that were handed down (taught) by Paul and possibly other apostles regarding the truths of Christ.

## you were taught ##

"we have taught you" (UDB) (See:[[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

##  whether by word or by our letter ##

whether by what we taught you in person or by the words we wrote to you in a letter sent to you. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])