Thessalonica is a prominent city in Macedonia (in modern-day Greece) due to its location: it has a seaport on the Aegean Sea and is a principal stop on the Egnatian Way. Paul and Silas travel to Thessalonica from Phillipi during Paul’s second missionary journey to preach about Jesus. Paul spends three weeks teaching in the Jewish synagogue, but most of the Thessalonian Jews become indignant and form a mob to drive the men out of the city. However, according to Acts 17:4, “some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.” That is the beginning of the church at Thessalonica.

 

We explore the challenges Paul experiences trying to bring the gospel to the people of Thessalonica and how that church fares after the apostle leaves. Additional scriptures referenced include Romans 10:14; Isaiah 52:7; Galatians 4:4-5; Acts 2:9-11; James 1:1; 1 Peter 1:1; Romans 1:16; James 2:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Acts 17:10-13; 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8; 2 Thessalonians 2:9; Acts 18:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 2:18; 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2; and 2 Timothy 4:8.