Paul names himself first
The letter opens by naming Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus as those sending it to the church at Thessalonica (2 Thessalonians 1:1). Timotheus is the New Testament form of Timothy, Paul's younger co-worker. Silvanus is generally understood to be the same man called Silas in Acts.
Paul is named first, as he is in many of his letters. The New Testament shows Paul travelling and serving with Silas and Timothy, including in Macedonia, the region where Thessalonica was located (Acts 17:1-4; 1 Thessalonians 1:1). So this was not a message from an unknown writer. It came from people the Thessalonian believers already knew.
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Paul confirms the letter
Near the close of 2 Thessalonians, Paul draws attention to a greeting written in his own hand (2 Thessalonians 3:17). This personal sign marks the letter as genuinely his. It also fits the practice of a writer using a secretary for much of a letter, then adding a distinctive final greeting himself.
That matters because the letter says some people were unsettled by claims presented as if they came from Paul and his companions (2 Thessalonians 2:2). Paul wanted the church to recognise what was truly from him and not be thrown into confusion.
The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
What kind of letter is it?
2 Thessalonians is a pastoral letter from Paul to a real church facing pressure, questions, and mixed-up teaching. He encourages believers who were suffering, speaks about the return of Christ, and calls the church to steady, responsible living (2 Thessalonians 1:3-4; 3:10-12).
Silvanus and Timothy were genuine partners in the work, so their names belong in the greeting. Still, the letter itself especially highlights Paul's personal authentication. For that reason, Christians have traditionally referred to 2 Thessalonians as one of Paul's letters.
Read it with the first letter
Reading 1 and 2 Thessalonians together can make the setting clearer. Both begin with Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy addressing the same church (1 Thessalonians 1:1). The second letter returns to concerns that had not gone away, especially anxiety about the day of the Lord.
As you read, notice how Paul combines reassurance with practical guidance. He does not dismiss the Thessalonians' fears, but he points them back to truth and asks them to stand firm (2 Thessalonians 2:15).