2 Thessalonians 1:1
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Original Language Analysis
Παῦλος
Paul
G3972
Παῦλος
Paul
Strong's:
G3972
Word #:
1 of 16
(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίᾳ
unto the church
G1577
ἐκκλησίᾳ
unto the church
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
7 of 16
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
Θεσσαλονικέων
of the Thessalonians
G2331
Θεσσαλονικέων
of the Thessalonians
Strong's:
G2331
Word #:
8 of 16
a thessalonican, i.e., inhabitant of thessalonice
θεῷ
God
G2316
θεῷ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
10 of 16
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
πατρὶ
Father
G3962
πατρὶ
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
11 of 16
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κυρίῳ
the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
14 of 16
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Historical Context
Paul wrote this second letter to Thessalonica around AD 51-52, likely from Corinth within months of the first epistle. The church faced intensifying persecution and doctrinal confusion about Christ's return. Some claimed 'the day of the Lord' had already arrived (2:2), causing panic and disorderly living.
Questions for Reflection
- How does being 'in God' change your identity beyond merely believing in God?
- What false teachings about Christ's return circulate in our day, and how can we test them?
- Why does Paul always mention his co-workers rather than claiming sole apostolic authority?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ—the same apostolic team from the first letter greets the assembly (ekklēsia, ἐκκλησία). The phrase in God our Father (en Theō Patri hēmōn, ἐν Θεῷ Πατρὶ ἡμῶν) emphasizes believers' covenantal position—not merely near God but vitally united to Him.
Paul's co-authorship with Silas and Timothy reinforces apostolic authority while showing pastoral humility. The dual foundation in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ affirms Christ's deity—both are the single sphere of the church's existence. This greeting sets the stage for correcting eschatological errors plaguing Thessalonica.