Bible Text: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 | Teacher: Pastor Brian Nevins | Series: Chronological Study-Early Church | 040 – Chronological Study of the Early Church. Paul warned the church that affliction would be a part of their lives as followers of Jesus. And Paul demonstrated in his life that while we have an enemy who throws obstacles in our way he can only delay the church but he cannot stop it.