Section 1:1

Paul greeted the believers in the town of Thessalonica

Paragraph 1:1

1:1a

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy: Paul was the author of the letter, but he added the names of Silvanus and Timothy because they had been with him when he went to Thessalonica. They also greeted the Thessalonians.

Silvanus: Like Paul himself, Silvanus had two names: Silvanus and Silas. Silas was his Hebrew name. Silvanus was probably the Latin form of Silas. The original Greek text used the Latin form “Silvanus” at the beginning of 1 and 2 Thessalonians and 1 Peter (see Revised Standard Version). However, Luke used “Silas” when he wrote about him in Acts. The important thing when you are translating these passages is to make sure that your readers know that Silvanus and Silas were the same person. Many modern English versions do this by only using the name “Silas” in the text (as New International Version (2011 Revision) and Good News Translation have done) and having a footnote to say that the Greek text has Silvanus. Another possibility would be to use Silvanus in your translation and use a footnote to explain that he was the same person as Silas of Acts.

1:1b

To the church of the Thessalonians: There is no verb in the Greek text of this verse. You may need to include a verb such as “write” to make this phrase more natural in your language, for example,

I, Paul, along with Timothy and Silas write to the church of the Thessalonians….

the church: The Greek word ekklēsia , which is often translated as church, never refers to a building but rather to a group of Christians who regularly met together to worship God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

the Thessalonians: The people to whom Paul was writing lived in the town called Thessalonica. Thessalonica had a population of about 200,000 people. This was considered a large town or city at that time in history.

1:1c

in: The word in is one of the most difficult words to translate accurately and naturally when it relates to a person (for example, in God) because its meaning depends on the context. Here it means “those who have a special relationship with God and the Lord Jesus Christ,” “those who are united with God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (God’s Word), “those who belong to God and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Good News Translation, New Living Translation (2004 Revision), Revised English Bible).

God the Father: In some languages it is not possible to just say “the father.” Instead, it is necessary to specify whose father is being talked about. For example:

our(incl) father
-or-
his father

the Lord: This is translated from the Greek word kurios, which means “master,” “chief,” or “leader.” It is a title that indicates respect and has a positive meaning. In the New Testament, the Greek word kurios nearly always refers to Christ. Occasionally it refers to God or a human being. In some languages, you can not say “the Lord” or “the master,” and so it may be necessary to say “our Lord” or “my Lord.” See the note on “Father” immediately before this one. If this applies to your language, you should use the possessive pronoun “our^(incl) .”

Jesus Christ: In this letter, as in most letters in the New Testament, Christ is not used as a title. Rather, it had become a proper name. It is often coupled with Jesus: Jesus Christ or Christ Jesus. You should transliterate these words, Jesus Christ, in this letter, as do almost all English translations.

1:1d

Grace and peace to you: This is a typical greeting. Both Paul and Peter used it in their letters.

Grace: Here Grace refers to the way that God blesses people both materially and spiritually.

peace: Here peace refers to people being physically, mentally, and spiritually well in all circumstances, even when they have troubles and difficult circumstances.

you: Throughout the whole letter of 1 Thessalonians the word you is plural.

This expression is really a prayer. The second Meaning Line in the Display shows how to express this aspect explicitly. See also the note on 5:23a.

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