In the letter to the Thessalonians, Paul writes in a somewhat maternal/paternal tone. He refers to the Thessalonians as brothers and sisters because they believe that the Thessalonians are part of the family of God. That is that they are all connected through God’s grace and must be united to reach the Kingdom of Heaven. Also, he refers to himself and his fellow authors in (2:11-12) as “a father with his children, urging and encouraging you and pleading that you lead a life worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory”. Paul is saying that he feels responsible for this family and wants them to live good lives in order to reach God’s kingdom and save them from hell.

Paul also writes concerning the social-political situation of the Thessalonians, most likely addressing the Roman dominance of their homeland. Paul states that Jesus is the king, Son of God, and savior of those that worship God. He tells them that despite their persecution, the “day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” (5:2) and essentially those that were faithful to God will escape the perpetual persecution and enter the kingdom of heaven. Paul also addresses that even those that die before the day of the Lord will still be saved and returned from the dead to enter the kingdom as seen through Jesus’ resurrection. Paul gives the Thessalonians advice to keep following the path of God, to not give into temptation, or “lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God… for God did not call us to impurity but in holiness. Therefore whoever rejects this rejects not human authority but God, who also gives his Holy Spirit to you” (4:5-8). Paul is telling the Thessalonians to remain strong in faith and remain Holy because their holiness is what will bring them into the Kingdom of Heaven and away from the Roman rule. Thessalonians 5:1-11 further addresses this by discussion the swiftness of the day of the Lord and that because it is such unexpected and unknown date, only those that are faithful to God will be saved and everyone else will face God’s wrath. Paul is addressing the fact that the Romans are not followers of God, but rather idolize their Emperor and this will be their downfall. The day of the Lord will be the Thessalonians redemption against the Romans and the moment that they experience true freedom. The Thessalonians will not be swept away in the night because they are blessed by the light and live in the presence of the light which is brought on through faith and love of Jesus Christ.