Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the assembly of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ: "Christ" (from a Greek word meaning anointed) serves as a reminder of our Lord’s historical relationship to the Old Testament. It identifies Him as the Messiah (from a Hebrew word also meaning anointed), the fulfillment of prophecy. Anointing has historically been the initiatory rite that launched those chosen of God on their appointed missions as prophet (Isaiah 61:1), priest (Leviticus 4:3), or king (1 Samuel 2:10). Jesus, then, must be anointed of God (Acts 10:38) so that He might be prophet, priest, and king, and all at the same time. This is the first time in the annals of mankind that a servant of God has occupied all three positions simultaneously. That fact makes Jesus unique among all who have ever lived on earth.