In today's reading, Paul is offering words of counsel and comfort to the Thessalonians. They are growing fearful and restive, convinced that the events of the apocalypse are exploding like popcorn all around them. Every tragedy, every hardship was seen through an eschatological lens - raising anxieties and blood pressure among the faithful. These Thessalonian Christians are like people trying to get some sleep with fear and anxiety filling their minds. They couldn't wait for the daylight of the Lord's return.

Paul had written about the sudden nature of Christ's second coming in 1 Thessalonians 2:19 and how important it was for Christians to be prepared for that event (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11). Paul's message was meant to offer comfort (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). Instead, his words seeme…