1 Thessalonians 1:1

Greetings

Paul, Silvanus, which is the Roman name of Silas, and Timothy were together in Corinth at the time this book was written (Acts 18:1-5). All three may have been together when the gospel was first introduced to Thessalonica. Certainly, Timothy knew the brethren since Paul had sent him to check on their status (1 Thessalonians 3:1-6).

This letter is addressed to the church, or called out which would be the local body of God's people, of the Thessalonians (Ephesians 1:22-23). To be in the church is to be in God and Christ. Thus, we have an intimate relationship with the eternal Father and his Son who is both master and king. The closeness of the Father and Son can be seen, in part, because Christians are said to be in both of them. Also, Paul's desire for the church at Thessalonica was that those two divine persons would bestow their favor and peace of mind upon the brethren.