2 Thessalonians 1:1-4·~1 min
Greetings to the Thessalonians
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy greet the church with grace and peace, then say they are obligated to thank God because the Thessalonians' faith is growing and their love for one another is increasing. For that reason, they speak proudly among God's churches of this community's perseverance and faith amid persecution and affliction.
P1aul, Silvanus, and Timothy, 2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3We are obligated to thank God for you all the time, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing more and more, and your love for one another is increasing. 4That is why we boast among God’s churches about your perseverance and faith in the face of all the persecution and affliction you are enduring.
Section summaryPaul, Silvanus, and Timothy greet the church with grace and peace and say they are bound to thank God for the Thessalonians because faith and love are increasing. Their endurance under persecution has become something the missionaries speak of with pride among God's churches.
Role in the chapterThis opening section begins as greeting but quickly becomes thanksgiving. It frames the church through growth under pressure, preparing for the chapter's reflection on suffering and Christ's return.