The Epistles of Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians were written by Paul from Corinth about A.D. 52. These two letters are the earliest writings of the New Testament. Paul tells these Christians what sort of persons they must be, and that they must do their duty every day and not stand idle, waiting for the Second Coming.

1 Thessalonians 2

2:8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.