1 Thessalonians 1:1 (KJV)

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.

The Cambridge Bible notes calls the phrase, “in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ” the definition of a true church. The word for church, ecclesia, was a common word. It refers to an assembly. Paul meant to distinguish his audience in Thessalonica from other assemblies that may have existed in that city at that time.

This assembly is,

In God the Father

• It is not a city counsel meeting
• It is not a fraternal order
• It is not a pagan gathering

This assembly is recognized as existing in God the Father:

• His plan,
• His glory and
• His purpose

Further this assembly is,

In the Lord Jesus Christ

This distinguishes it from any Jewish gathering or synagogue. This assembly is:

• Bought by Jesus
• Built by Jesus belongs to Jesus and is
• Beloved by Jesus

To my readers:
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1 Thessalonians 1:1 (KJV) The Definition of a True Church

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