1 Thessalonians is a pastoral letter written by Paul of Tarsus to the recently formed Christian community of Thessalonica. The letter, written in response to the concerns of newly converted Gentiles, offers encouragement and support and addresses specific issues and problems they have been dealing with. Paul begins his letter by giving thanks for the Thessalonians' faith, love, and hope in the Lord. Jesus Christ. They "turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven..." (1 Thessalonians: 9-10). Paul assures people that he brings them the message of God's gospel. This means distinguishing himself from others who may have come to preach to them “out of deceit or impure motives or deceit” (1 Thessalonians 2:3). Paul identifies as countercultural and works in 1 Thessalonians to show new Christians that they too are called to live a countercultural life, “worthy of God who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” (1 Thess. 2:12) because they have accepted the word of God, which is working within them to shape their new identity as Christians. Paul's faith in the living and true God with the gospel message of God shows his monotheistic faith and his rejection of idols. Paul knows that these Thessalonians are first-generation converts living among many idolatrous Gentiles. Because they are Christians, they can no longer participate in pagan festivals, worship other gods, or perhaps even continue to buy their meat from the local butcher, because the meat may have been a sacrificial offering to idols. Paul recognizes that they have become social outcasts, no longer Gentiles; they are called to live differently now. Paul had warned that... in the middle of paper... or non-violence; do not repay evil with evil, do good to all. He exhorts the people to rejoice, pray and give thanks, because this is God's will. “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the word of the prophets, but test all things, holding fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil." (1 Thess. 5:19-22) Paul once again instructs and tells them to let the Spirit flow in and among them, not to stop it. Let the Spirit flow through their community in their actions and let the people speak so they can have a message from Jesus. Paul is telling them to stick to what is good and protect themselves from evil, again referring to spiritual warfare, moral vigilance and living a countercultural life. He concludes with God's command that his letter be shared in the community and invites God's grace to remain with the community of Thessalonians.