Throughout the book of Thessalonions, Paul emphasizes a very large amount on his missionary work. Constantly, Paul brings up the idea that followers of Christ are a separate people than that of the Roman and pagan believers. He starts off saying this in the first chapter of 1 Thessalonions. In verse 4, he states that the followers of Jesus were chosen and blessed and loved. Thus implying that they were separate than people who did not follow in the path of Jesus. Paul continues to place the emphasis on “brothers and sisters” in chapter 2 also. Each time this is used, he is addressing the current followers of Jesus and is using this language to prove a point. So that people know and feel they are more special because Paul wants these people to spread the word of God and continue his mission. The emphasis on closeness of fellow believers was very large in the book of Thessalonians and it shows the separation between the followers of Jesus and the Roman state.

The letter reveals a very tense relationship between the Thessalonians and the Gentiles of the Roman empire. Paul basically states that they need to stick with God no matter what because of the persecutions that they are undergoing. The relationship between the two is very bumpy and Paul uses kinsmanship and the terms “brothers and sisters” to bring together a unity between fellow believers to help them through the tense relationships.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 is an attack because he hints at the destruction that others will go through because they do not follow Jesus. Paul criticizes their lifestyle and encourages the followers of Jesus to be more confident and control of their life. He urges them to do the opposite of what the “normal” is and to act differently than the rest of the people.