Around AD 51, Paul, Silas and Timothy brought the message about Jesus the Messiah to the city of Thessalonica. Many people became believers, but there was a riot when Paul and Silas were accused of defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus(see Acts 17:1-9). They narrowly escaped with their lives and had to flee. A little later Paul became concerned that the believers in Thessalonica might fall away from the faith due to the opposition they were facing. So he sent Timothy to encourage them (as a Greek he could make the trip more safely). When Timothy returned to Achaia with the welcome news that the Thessalonians had remained faithful, Paul wrote to express his joy. In this short letter, Paul first recalls his time in Thessalonica and gives thanks for their continuing faith, despite trials and challenges.