Why Paul did not pull rank on the Thessalonians

Paul's standard way of beginning a letter includes mention of his apostleship but in a few instances, such as I & II Thessalonians, he  introduces himself simply by his Christian name, Paul. The question is 'Why?' For Calvin, it is 'evidence that those to whom he writes voluntarily acknowledged him to be such as he was.' In other words, there was no need.

The truth is that they appreciated his work and regarded his service as of the highest quality and rendered for the purest motives. He writes, 'You know what kind of men we were among you for your sake' and as a result, in spite of on-going criticism, they continued to hold him in the deepest affection. The evidence is plain to see. They received his preaching 'in much affliction and with joy in the Holy Spirit' and became followers of him and of the Lord. When Paul eventually received Timothy's report about his return visit to Thessalonika, he acknowledged that their affection had not dissipated but grown stronger, that they continued to have good memories of him and longed to see him again. Taken as a whole, the letters provide ample proof that the bond between Paul and this fledgling church was strong, deep and affectionate.

Their affection was reciprocated. After his expulsion from the city, Paul experienced acute anxiety and felt that he and his companions had been orphaned by their enforced separation. Time and again, he tried to return but was prevented by Satan until, with anxiety at fever pitch, he sent Timothy back in order to establish and encourage them in what must have been extremely trying circumstances. Timothy's eventual report of this visit gave Paul and Silas great relief and unbounded joy: 'therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith' adding 'for now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.' (1.3.7-8) . It had all been more than worthwhile! 

 At Athens and Corinth they had prayed unceasingly, remembering their work of faith, labour of love and patience of hope in the Lord (1.1.3) God had answered their prayers and in a way that only served to strengthen the bond and deepen the affection. He writes 'For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake, night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith?' (1.3.9-10) 

True pastors have no need of rank and title because Christ's sheep recognise them as true under-shepherds - in Calvin's words, 'they voluntarily acknowledge [them] to be such as [they are].' And they do so because they see in them the heart of the Good Shepherd and know that they are not thieves and robbers. From the human perspective, it is wholly remarkable that Christ builds his church in this way: 'you are Peter, Bill or George' - as Flavel puts it, 'the most ridiculous course that can be imagined, in appearance, for such a design.' (Voices from the Past, 140) But in men of such a disposition the sheep discern and experience the love and care of the Good Shepherd for His sheep. Consequently their love for Him embraces His servants. It is no hardship for them to recognise those who labour among [them] and are over [them] in the Lord and admonish [them]; to esteem them highly for their work's sake. (1.5.12)