1. Paul. The epistle opens in the customary way with formal greetings (see on Rom 1:1). The apostle has no need to give a long introduction, since he is well known to his readers and it is probable that only a short time has elapsed since he was with them (see 224).
Although Paul associates Silas and Timothy with him, it is evident that Paul himself is the sole author of the epistle ( 2:18; 3:5; 4:13; 5:1, 23, 27). But he keeps Silas and Timothy in mind as he writes, and frequently uses the plural pronoun “we” throughout the five chapters of the epistle ( 1:2; 2:2; 3:1; 4:1; 5:12). His two companions undoubtedly endorsed all the admonition the apostle wrote under their names.
Silvanus. Known in Acts by the shorter name Silas (see on Acts 15:22, 34, 40). He had been with Paul in Philippi (Acts 15:40, 41; 16:12, 19), had accompanied him to Thessalonica (Acts 17:1, 4), had been sent away with him to Berea (Acts 17:10), and had remained in that town after Paul departed for Athens (Acts 17:14). He later rejoined the apostle at Corinth (see on Acts 18:5; 2 Cor. 1:19). He is named before Timothy perhaps as being the elder, and as having been associated with Paul for a longer time.
Timotheus. A transliteration of the Timotheos, frequently rendered “Timothy.” See on Acts 16:1. He was from the district of Derbe and Lystra and had accompanied Paul on the Second Missionary Journey (Acts 16:1-3), and had shared in Paul’s ministry at Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea (see on Acts 17:14). The young evangelist had been sent to the Thessalonian church, and his report of its condition formed the immediate background against which Paul wrote his epistle (1 Thess. 3:1, 6).
Church. ekklÄsia (see on Matt. 18:17). Paul addresses his letter to the whole body of believers in Thessalonica, such as he elsewhere calls “saints” (Rom. 1:7; etc.). He makes no mention of the chief officers of the church as he does in his epistle to the Philippians ( 1:1).
Thessalonians. Paul’s usual custom (Rom. 1:7; 1 Cor. 1:2; 2 Cor. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; Phil. 1:1; Col. 1:2) is to name the city in which a particular church is meeting; but here and in 2 Thess. 1:1 he refers to the “Thessalonians.” It is difficult to see a meaningful distinction in the differing forms of address, though it has been suggested that Paul thereby intends to include not only those who reside in the city but also those who were drawn from a wider area. There is no way of knowing the size of the Thessalonian church, though Acts 17:4 suggests a large initial membership.
In God. This phrase should be closely connected with “the church,” as is shown by the supplied words “which is” in the . The church exists only as it is grounded “in God,” only as all of its members are united in Him ( on Rom. 1:7; Eph. 1:1; Phil. 1:1).
Father. Compare on Rom. 1:7 and the greetings in other of Paul’s epistle for the significance of the fatherhood of God in this setting.
Lord Jesus Christ. The word “in” needs to be supplied in front of this title, as in the to indicate that the church exists not only by virtue of its union with God but also because of its union with the Son (see on Rom. 8:1; 1 Cor. 1:2). The triple title reflects Paul’s Christology, his understanding of the nature of Christ. He knows his Master to be the Lord and the human-divine Saviour (see on Phil. 2:5).
Grace. charis (see on Rom. 1:7).
Peace. See on Rom. 1:7.
From God. Textual evidence may be cited ( 10) for the omission of the remainder of this verse, beginning with the words “from God,” which may have been introduced from 2 Thess. 1:2 by a later editor.
We give thanks. Whether Paul is using the editorial “we” and speaking only for himself, or whether he is also writing on behalf of Silas and Timothy, his meaning is clear. As he and his companions study Timothy’s report of conditions in Thessalonica, they are filled with thankfulness and make their gratitude known unto God ( on Rom. 1:8).
To God. The apostle recognizes the One to whom all thanks are due. The excellences of the Thessalonians resulted from the power of God that worked through them.
Always for you all. Paul’s tact shines brightly through the pages of his epistles. He does not wish any to feel slighted; he endeavors to include all in his greetings, and carefully makes lists of names when he mentions individuals by name (see on Phil. 1:4; Rom. 16:1-15; Col. 4:7-17).
In our prayers. Or, “in the time of our prayers.” The phrase defines the word “always.” Paul and his companions doubtless had stated times of prayer when they interceded for the Christians of Thessalonica, making individual mention of them, and discussing their welfare.