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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.