I Thessalonians 1:1 – Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy. To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to you and peace.
As we noted in our introduction, Paul and his companions had been chased from Thessalonica by an angry mob of Jews. Scripture tells us that this happened after Paul preached at the synagogue on three successive weeks. This might lead us to the conclusion that Paul was in the city for less than a month.
However, there is much evidence to suggest that there was a significant gap of time between his preaching and the riot.
Remember, it was always Paul’s custom to preach to the Jews first (which he obviously did for at least three weeks). But when/if the Jews rejected the gospel, Paul would immediately turn to the Gentiles. For example, this is what he said earlier to the obstinate Jews at Antioch:
Acts 13:46-47 – And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.” For the Lord has commanded us, saying, “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.”
In this case, the most likely scenario is that after three weeks, Paul left the synagogue and sought out the Gentiles.
This assumption is further supported by verse 9 of chapter one, which reveals that many of the true believers in Thessalonica were Gentiles/former idol worshippers. Obviously, these people would not have heard the gospel in the synagogue. Therefore, Paul must have spent a considerable amount of time ministering in other places where the Gentiles gathered.
Here is another point to consider: The traditional Jews who clung to the law regarded the Gentiles as unclean ‘dogs’. In their opinion, you couldn’t have any lower standing than being a filthy heathen. Never in a million years would these Jews have accepted the Gentiles as their spiritual equals.
But when Paul preached, he made it very clear that God had broken down all barriers in the spiritual realm; there was no longer any difference between Jews and Gentiles. According to the gospel, all people are born into sin, and all people are saved by the blood of Christ:
Galatians 3:28 – There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
It is easy to imagine that this type of teaching (equality of Jews and Gentiles in the sight of God) would cause the traditional Jews to become more and more enraged as time went on. This demonically inspired rage was eventually directed at Paul and his companions, because Satan wanted to stop the spread of the gospel. This is what eventually led to the riot which chased Paul out of the city.
Furthermore, in chapter two (I Thessalonians 2:5-12), Paul gives a somewhat detailed description of his life in the city, which would be ridiculous if he only stayed there a maximum of three weeks.
These (and other considerations) point to the fact that Paul was undoubtedly in Thessalonica much, much longer than just three weeks. He had formed clear and strong bonds with the believers in that city. God had worked through him to form and establish a true church.
When Paul and his companions were finally chased off by the riot, they went on to preach in Berea, where the traditional Jews (those who rejected the gospel and clung to the law) once again opposed them. At that point, Paul left for Athens while Silas (Silvanus) and Timothy remained in Berea sharing the gospel both there and at Thessalonica.
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy - Eventually the three companions were reunited in Corinth. Soon after, Paul decides to write a letter of encouragement the church at Thessalonica. 
Although Paul is the author of the letter, Silas and Timothy definitely had some input. As Paul’s fellow laborers, they faithfully and diligently ministered to the Thessalonians and they were dearly loved by the people there. It was their updates (along with the wisdom of Holy Spirit) which gave Paul the insight he needed to write an effective letter. Therefore it was fitting for this letter to come from all three men.
As you may have noticed, the simple greeting in this letter differs from the greeting found in some of Paul’s letters to other churches, where he specifically describes himself as an apostle or servant of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1, I Corinthians 1:1, Galatians 1:1, etc). Why do you suppose Paul fails to mention his apostleship in his correspondence with the Thessalonians?
When writing to some of the other churches it was necessary for Paul to use his title of apostle to claim authority for himself. Let me explain. The Christians in some of the other churches did not want to submit themselves to the commands and doctrines given by Paul.
Therefore, Paul had to remind them that he was specifically appointed by God as their overseer. It was his job to deliver correction and instruction to them, so they might grow spiritually. The commands and doctrines Paul gave them were to be diligently observed because they came directly from Christ, through Paul, under the anointing of Holy Spirit.
However, in the case of Thessalonica (and Philippi), it appears that the Christians had no issue with Paul’s authority. They willingly rendered to him the respect and honor that he deserved. They acknowledged his spiritual authority over them and they were willing to be taught and corrected by him. Therefore, there was no need for Paul to assert his position as an apostle.
To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ - Paul’s address to the church classifies them as being ‘in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ’.
Why is that significant?
Well, let’s face it - Any group of like-minded people can call themselves a church. They can gather on Sundays, donate money, enjoy music and even do good works, but none of these things create a true church. (If that was all it took, your local Eagles club would be a church!)
A church is truly a church only when it is founded upon God, established by Christ and guided by the Spirit. Gathering together, doing good works, and donating money are the natural results of a life dedicated to God; they are not the causes of salvation. Good works do not produce a true church.
So we see that Paul’s assertion that the Thessalonian church is ‘in God and the Lord Jesus Christ’ is an acknowledgement of their true faith. Through the work of Christ and the bond of the Spirit, they are securely established in knowledge, faith, worship and obedience to God the Father. They recognized Jesus as their head; they functioned as the members of his body in Thessalonica.
Grace to you and peace – This salutation is present in all the letters of Paul. Under the Old Testament, the Jew’s usual salutation was ‘peace be to you’, but in the New Testament Paul changed this to ‘grace and peace be to you’. Peace includes all of the blessings of God, as well as inward tranquility of mind, heart and conscience. Grace includes all of the favor of God, as well as the grace by which we are saved.
God bestows grace and peace upon each individual that trusts in him. If you feel like you are lacking in peace or grace right now, get into the presence of God through worship and ask him to fill you!
I Thessalonians 1:2 – We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers…
As we noted in the introduction, one of the reasons Paul wrote this letter was to comfort, strengthen and encourage the Christians in Thessalonica. 
He begins by saying that the believers in Thessalonica are a source/reason for him to offer thanksgiving to God. Paul is thankful because his labor among them has not been in vain – he has witnessed their genuine conversion from sin and idolatry to true Christianity, in the midst of some very grievous circumstances. He is thankful for the gifts bestowed upon them and the Christian disciplines/graces evident in their lives.
Notice that Paul does not take credit for this. Neither does he give credit to the Thessalonians. He rightly acknowledges that salvation is a gift of God, administered through his spiritual priests under the anointing of Holy Spirit:
I Peter 2:9 – But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness and into his marvelous light…
For reasons we do not fully comprehend, God chooses to spread his kingdom on this earth through a partnership with mankind. Once we are saved, God makes us priests in his kingdom – people who can stand in the gap between sinners and himself.
We minister to the lost by sharing the gospel and doing good works. Holy Spirit works through our words and actions to convict the sinner and bring him or her to repentance and faith in Christ. So, there was a lot to be thankful for – God was blessing the ministry of Paul, Silas and Timothy, the kingdom of God was expanding in the world, and God was adding more and more workers to the ranks!
Here is an additional reason to be thankful – God desires to do the same thing today, through you and me!
Paul, Silus and Timothy reached the people of their generation. You and I must do the same. Don’t assume that your pastor or one of your elders will reach everyone in your community. Each individual believer, including you, has been made a priest in the kingdom of heaven. You can reach people with the gospel that no one else can, so ask Holy Spirit for the boldness to speak out.
Next, Paul notes that he constantly makes mention of the Thessalonians in his prayers. The Thessalonian believers had experienced a lot of spiritual growth, but they weren’t mature believers just yet. They still had things to learn and understand; they still had some sins to conquer.
This is true for us as well. No matter how far we come, there is still more growth that needs to happen in our lives. Thankfully, Holy Spirit is working with us on a daily basis to make us over into the image of Christ (II Corinthians 3:18).
Therefore, as often as Paul entered into the throne room of God through prayer, he lifted up the Thessalonian believers before the throne of God. It was Paul’s desire that the church continue to grow and mature and disciple new believers. He no doubt prayed that the church would receive spiritual gifts, power, faith and perseverance to continue their spiritual journey.
Philippians 1:6 – Being confident of this very thing, that he who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Christ Jesus. 
Although we don’t know for sure, we can speculate that Paul prayed for the church to avoid many of the common pitfalls that people tend to fall into – pride, self-reliance, carelessness and spiritual laziness.
One thing, however, is very clear - Paul believed that God had big plans for the Thessalonian church; he would finish the good work he had begun in these Christians, bringing them to full maturity in Christ.
God will do this for you and your church as well!
Let me offer you some encouragement:
In today’s post, we mentioned that the Christians of Thessalonica had definitely experienced some spiritual growth, but they still had more work to do. In this regard, we can all identify with the Christians in Thessalonica.
From time to time it is beneficial to look back on your life and see just how far Christ has brought you. We can all rejoice and praise the Lord for delivering us from our wicked ways and sinful habits. I encourage you to take a few minutes right now and rehearse the specific deliverance(s) God has performed in your life.
[Incidentally, this kind of review will assist you in forming a testimony to share with the lost.]
If you’ve been a follower of Christ for any length of time, you can also look back and identify areas in your life where you have matured.
Now take a few more minutes and give the Father, Son and Spirit the glory for these changes!
Let me offer you some relief:
As you look back upon your life, you will no doubt remember some instances in which you failed – you lost your temper, held on to unforgiveness for a time, or you spread some gossip which you later regretted.
If you feel some shame right now because of something in your past (or even your present), let me give you some relief: Being saved, doesn’t automatically make you perfect.
The Christian walk is a journey that you embark on every single day. Sometimes you will stumble and fall. The key is to get back up, ask Jesus to cleanse you, make the situation right with anyone you have sinned against, and learn your lesson. Ask Holy Spirit to help you get control of that area of your life again.
Proverbs 24:16 – For a just man falls seven times, and rises up again…
Strange as it may seem, there is an upside to failing – it helps keep you humble, and it gives you mercy for others!
Let me offer you some strength:
Part of the assessment of your spiritual life should include some future goals. Scripture says this:
Proverbs 29:18 – Where there is no vision, the people perish…
What vision do you have for your life? The obvious answer is that we want to please Christ in all we do. That is a great answer. But you should be looking for something more practical.
What do you specifically see yourself doing, which will result in pleasing Christ?
Do you want to become more effective in your prayer life? Are you seeking a spiritual gift? Do you want to memorize scripture? What about sharing your faith with your family and friends? Do you want to teach a kid’s class or become involved in the local school district? What about planning a session of vacation bible school or paying for some kids to go to church camp?
Have you had a dream or vision of ministry that has not yet come to pass? Did someone prophesy over you at some point, but that word has not yet come to fruition? If so, you need to pray into that word, set a course of action, and move out in faith.
The point is, just as you have goals in the natural realm, you need to have some goals in the spiritual realm.
Some of you will say that you don’t want to pursue a goal, because it might not be the Lord’s will for you. Well, let me just tell you that it’s much easier to change the direction of a ship in motion than it is to get that ship moving in the first place!
In other words, SET A GOAL AND GET STARTED! If God wants you to move in another direction, he will communicate that to you. Too many people wait around to ‘hear from God’ and end up doing nothing in his kingdom. Don’t be that person!
Remember this old proverb: It’s better to aim at something and miss than to aim at nothing and hit the target every time!