What does 1 Thessalonians 1:1 mean?

As was customary in the first century, Paul identifies himself at the beginning of his letter. At one time Paul had tried to destroy Christianity, but the Lord converted him on the road to Damascus and commissioned him to be an apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:1–19; Galatians 1:11–23). His faithfulness to that commission had taken him to Thessalonica, where he preached the gospel and a number of people believed. Silvanus—also known as Silas—and Timothy were with Paul when he preached in Thessalonica (Acts 17:4, 10, 14) and were with him as he wrote 1 Thessalonians. Silas, Paul's missionary companion, had been imprisoned with Paul at Philippi (Acts 16:19–40). Timothy, also Paul's missionary companion, was from Lystra. His mother was Jewish, but his father was a Gentile. He joined Paul in missions after Paul circumcised him (Acts 16:1–3).

Paul addresses his letter to the church of the Thessalonians, believers who were joined by faith to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The term "Lord" indicates that Jesus is as much God as the Father is. The name "Jesus" is from the Greek version of the Hebrew name Joshua, meaning "God is salvation." The title "Christ" translates the Old Testament term, "Messiah." Meaning "Anointed One."

Paul greets the Thessalonian church with a combination of Greek and Hebrew salutations. "Grace" conveys a sense of God's favor, and "peace" conveys a sense of well-being. Well-being results from God's grace at work in a person's heart.