Paul introduced the Thessalonians to a new “lord” (kyrios), “son of God” (theou huios), and “savior” (soter). Other redeemer gods were popular in the city, notably Cabirus, a blacksmith murdered by his brothers who would one day return to help the poor and needy. But the aristocracy had co-opted Cabirus into their own rituals, and Paul could present Jesus as a more authentic savior.
