2 Thessalonians 1:1-2 – Introduction and salutation

Shortly, between the space of two to three months, after his first letter to Thessalonians, Paul sent them a second letter. The question that baffled students of the Pauline Epistles is: why did he send another letter within such a short span of time? Even with this in mind, the authenticity of Paul’s authorship was never in doubt. Generally, this letter is accepted as Paul’s, both in style and content.

Like his first letter, the second epistle to the Thessalonians was also composed in Corinth. Being an eclectic city, the flow of information to Thessalonica was not curtailed. Paul must have received further information concerning the situation in Thessalonica. He knew that the church would be affected if he did not quickly address those issues. In essence, Paul was dealing with three groups of people in this epistle: those who persecuted the believers (chapter 1); those who propagated false teachings (chapter 2); and those who were idle (chapter 3). However, more than dealing with these different groups of people, Paul’s major concerns were the anticipated return of Christ and events surrounding it.

As with his previous letter, he identified himself with both Silas and Timothy. They formed that evangelistic team which ministered to the Thessalonians. Paul probably did not want to exclude them in this second letter. Anyway, it would make good sense to include them to lend authenticity.

Here, he once again addressed them as the church in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Notice, however, of the addition of the personal pronoun, “our.” It is indicative that Paul traced the origin and source of his spiritual life and those of the believers to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. He also sent them the identical greetings, grace and peace, which he wished upon them in his previous letter. Grace always precedes peace. Without the grace of God, there can be no experience of peace.

Thankfully, we are the beneficiaries of God’s rich grace and the recipient of His everlasting peace. In this world of increasing turmoil, we can rest in His grace and enjoy His ever abiding peace. We can be assured that God will not lead us to where His grace cannot sustain us. And we on our part, should not allow circumstances we encounter to rob us of our peace, for guarding our hearts and minds are the fortress of His peace.