1:1
The letter opens with a fairly standard Pauline greeting, naming himself with some co-workers. It is addressed to the whole church, and God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ are mentioned with equal authority. Then there is “grace and peace”. There are some differences from several of his later letters. The introduction makes no mention of Paul being an apostle. This is indicative of it being an early letter, and his apostleship was not an issue, unlike in Galatia and Corinth. Secondly, “grace and peace” are standalone, rather than saying “grace and peace from God our Father” (Col 1:2) or “from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil 1:2). Paul had a very good relationship with the Thessalonians. Having had to escape from the city so soon after arriving one might say there hadn’t been time for things to go wrong, but that is probably being a little unfair!
1:2
The main part of the letter begins with Paul giving thanks for the Thessalonians. This was common in Paul’s letters, even in 1 Corinthians (though not 2 Corinthians), but not in Galatians. They also prayed for the Thessalonians. Paul knew that they were facing active opposition.
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