The apostle Paul founded many churches in the Roman Empire, including one in the Greek city of Thessalonica, which he visited during his second missionary journey. At that time Paul had been forced to flee the city, so he sent his coworker Timothy back to check on the congregation. Paul was encouraged at Timothy's report but felt compelled to address misconceptions they had about the return of Christ. In each letter, Paul stressed that Jesus is coming back, that believers who are alive at the time will be gathered to Him, and that they needed to maintain a holy life and avoid idleness as they waited. Paul's words likewise reveal to all believers today that Jesus will return—but that we need to keep doing His work in the meantime.