Paul, and Silas, and Timothy, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
Paul: It is observed that St. Paul never calls himself an apostle in either of the epistles to the Thessalonians. The reason why he deviates from his ordinary custom on this occasion, probably is, that joining his name with the other two, he did not like to assume a title, though his due, which the others did not possess. (Estius)
Such condescension to your neighbours' feelings, even in trifles, is highly delicate and praiseworthy. (Haydock)
Wherefore then, when writing to the Ephesians, and having Timothy with him, did he not include him with himself (in his salutation), known as he was to them and admired, for he says, You know the proof of him, that as a child serves the father, so he served with me in the Gospel Philippians 2:22; and again, I have no man like-minded who will care truly for your state Philippians 2:20; but here he does associate him with himself? It seems to me, that he was about to send him immediately, and it was superfluous for him to write, who would overtake the letter. For he says, Him therefore I hope to send immediately. Philippians 2:23 But here it was not so; but he had just returned to him, so that he naturally joined in the letter. For he says, Now when Timothy came from you unto us. 1 Thessalonians 3:6 But why does he place Silvanus before him, though he testifies to his numberless good qualities, and prefers him above all? Perhaps Timothy wished and requested him to do so from his great hu...
Here Paul gives himself no title. He refers to himself neither as “an apostle” nor as “a servant.” Paul avoids such titles, I suppose, because the Thessalonians were newly instructed and still didn’t know Paul well. His preaching ministry to this church was just beginning.
Here he begins this letter to the Thessalonians, though mentioning three of them, but they greet this congregation as if it was coming from one writer.
Paul and Sylvanus and Timothy
and Timothy, whom he circumcised, as is mentioned in Acts 16.
to the church of the Thessalonians
Paul greets the Church, which is the assembly of believers,
in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
that is, in the faith of the Trinity and of the divinity and humanity of Christ, because our beatitude will consist in knowing them. He mentions only the person of the Father and the incarnate Son, in which two is understood the Holy Spirit who is the bond between the Father and the Son.
