Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, 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. (1 Thessalonians 1:1)
The salutatory expression “the church…which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ” is unique to the two Thessalonian epistles.
The church is named from the people (Thessalonians) rather than the place (Thessalonica).
“…the church of the Thessalonians (local expression) which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ (spiritual distinction)…”
Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer suggests this unique address distinguishes them from the heathen or pagans (in God the Father) and from the Jews (in the Lord Jesus Christ).
1 Thessalonians 2:14 the churches of God which in Judæa are in Christ Jesus
2 Thessalonians 1:4 so that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God
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