In this chapter the words "we" and "us" refer to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, unless otherwise noted. Also, the word "you" is plural and refers to the believers at the church of Thessalonica. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-you]])
Just as one does not know which night a thief may come, we do not know when the day of the Lord will come. AT: "unexpectedly" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])
Just as a pregnant woman's birth pains come suddenly and do not stop until the birth is complete, the destruction will come, and people will not escape. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])