2 Thessalonians 1:1-2 1Paul and Silas and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 2grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The second canonical letter from Paul to the Thessalonians begins almost the same as the first letter but with a longer greetings. Paul again was with Silas and Timothy during their second missionary journey. Acts 15:36-41 tells the story of when Paul and Barnabas had such a disagreement about taking John Mark on their next journey that they parted ways. Paul joined up with Silas, and they left Antioch for Syria. On this second major journey, they met the youth Timothy in Lystra, and Paul invited him to go with them. From that point on, Timothy was a close companion of Paul. Paul sent Timothy on several important visits to check upon churches and help them through difficult times, including going back to check on the Thessalonians. Paul sent him also to the divided church in Corinth and the Ephesian church troubled by false teachers. Paul is the main authority behind the letter as the leader of the team, but Silas and Timothy were present with him. It is impossible to know what their input was, but Paul always wanted to be a team player.
Paul again describes the Thessalonian church as being in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Though a short word, the Greek preposition en can carry a significant meaning, as here. To be “in” the Father and Jesus is to be in relationship with them. The use of Father for God shows origin, family bond, and inheritance. The use of Lord implies sovereignty, commitment, and obedience. The Thessalonians were bound to God in faith. This simple statement at the beginning of the letter should have helped the Thessalonians remember their identity and focus.
Paul gives his typical greeting of grace and peace, the two important qualities of life that people need and seek but do not know where to find outside of God the Father and Lord Jesus Christ. These words mirror the typical greetings of both Greeks and Jews but are filled with theological meaning for Paul. Grace is God’s favor and blessing given to humanity as an extension of God’s love. Peace is the result of receiving God’s grace in faith. God extends grace and peace through what Jesus Christ did on the cross. These are available to people today through faith and experienced through the presence of the Holy Spirit. Grace and peace are both aspects of the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. These were what the Thessalonians needed and what we need today.
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