But we don't want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don't grieve like the rest, who have no hope.
We would not have you ignorant ... This was one of Paul's favorite ways of introducing a new and important subject.  It is also found in  Romans 1:13;  Romans 11:25;  1 Corinthians 10:1;  1 Corinthians 12:1, and  2 Corinthians 1:8, in all of which, as here, the term "brethren" is used with it for the sake of conveying the idea of tenderness and affection in what he was about to say.