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1 Thessalonians 1_1-10 Session 2.pdf
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1 Thessalonians 1:1-4
1 Thessalonians 1:1 – Black
A. The Authors Identified
- Paul, Silvanus (Silas), and Timotheus (Timothy) are named as the authors.
- All three were known to the Thessalonian assembly and are familiar figures in the New Testament.
B. A Unique Greeting Formula
- Paul uniquely uses the phrase “in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ”—a formula found only in 1 and 2 Thessalonians.
- This likely reflects:
- The Jewish composition of the audience.
- Their belief that Jesus is the Messiah.
- The phrase affirms their identity as Jewish believers in Jesus.
C. Standard Pauline Greeting: Grace and Peace
- “Grace be unto you, and peace” appears in all of Paul’s letters to churches.
- In contrast, his letters to individuals (e.g., Timothy, Titus) add “mercy.”
D. Divine Source of the Greeting
- The phrase “from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ” is standard in Paul’s letters.
- It emphasizes that grace and peace originate from both Father and Son.
1 Thessalonians 1:2–4 – Black
A. Ongoing Thanksgiving (v. 2)
- Paul and his companions continually thank God for the Thessalonian believers.
- Their prayers are specific and heartfelt, reflecting deep spiritual investment.