<p>3:4 <em>For truly, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction. Even as it came to pass and you know</em>- Paul made a point of telling his converts that tribulation / affliction was bound to come (s.w. Acts 14:22 &quot;We must through much tribulation s.w. enter into the Kingdom&quot;). I noted on 2:11 that Paul spent his few contact hours which he had teaching the Thessalonians in focusing more upon practical issues than theological ones- hence the apparent serious gap in their knowledge about the resurrection in chapter 4. The persecution of Paul and driving him out of Thessalonica didn't calm down after he left- his converts were clearly targeted.</p>