Persecution forced Paul to leave the fledgling church of Thessalonica to face intensifying persecution. After his departure, detractors attempted to poison the minds of the young congregation with false accusations about his motives. In his letter, Paul reminds them of what they witnessed for themselves. He came to their city preaching the Gospel despite much opposition. He asked for no money and did not desert them. He did not alter his message under pressure but, with uncommon valor, proclaimed the Gospel without compromise. Paul set before us an example worth emulating.