Did Paul's converts last through the suffering? Timothy says they did, and they are thriving in love! God is sovereign over peoples salvation and sanctification so pray to that end. They were experts in love, but may have been living in a holy huddle. Don't worry about the dead in Christ, they are happily with God and will take part in the rapture as those who last until the end. The Day of the Lord shouldn't concern you because you are children of light!