ISB ~ 1 Thessalonians 1 v1

Paul:The author of the letter (2:18) as well as the founding apostle of the Thessalonian Church (Acts 17:1-9).

Silvanus:A Latin transcription of the name “Silas”, a Christian prophet from Jerusalem (Acts 15:32) who accompanied Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 15:40). He was a co-founder with Paul of the church in Thessalonica.

Timothy:A young man selected by Paul to minister with him and Silas on their missionary adventures (Acts 16:1-4). Without stating it explicitly, Acts implies that Timothy played a secondary role with Paul and Silas in evangelizing Thessalonica (Acts 17:1, 14). He was later sent to encourage the community and report back to Paul on their situation (1 Thess 3:1-6). See note on 1 Tim 1:2. in …

the Father and the Lord:The Church family in Thessalonica is united “in” the divine family of the Trinity. The heavenly Father has made this possible by choosing believers for adoption (1:4), giving them the Holy Spirit (4:8), and promising to raise even their bodies from the dead (4:14) when his Son returns in glory (1:10; 4:15-17) (CCC 2014).

Grace to you and peace:A standard Christian greeting used by Paul and other writers in the NT (1 Pet 1:2; 2 Jn 3; Rev 1:4).