1. Greeting (1:1–2)
2 Thessalonians
1. Greeting (1:1–2)
1–2. The address is exactly the same as that in the first epistle, except that our is included with Father: it is God as Father of believers, rather than as the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. The greeting is also the same as that in the first letter, but with the addition of the words that follow peace in verse 2 (NIV has them in the margin). These words are probably absent from the first epistle but genuine here. This longer form became usual in Paul’s epistles, being found in each one except 1 Thessalonians (and with the omission of ‘and the Lord Jesus Christ’ from Colossians). The source of the Christian’s grace and peace is no less than God himself. Paul often links grace with Christ and peace with the Father, but in his greetings he makes no distinction. Notice the close linking of God our Father with the Lord Jesus Christ (there is but one apo).