What is the history and significance of the church at Thessalonica?

Answer

Thessalonica was a prominent city in Macedonia (in modern-day Greece) due to its location: it had a seaport on the Aegean Sea and was a principal stop on the Egnatian Way, a major Roman road. Paul and Silas traveled to Thessalonica from Phillipi on Paul’s second missionary journey to preach the news about Jesus. He spent three weeks teaching in the Jewish synagogue, but most of the Thessalonian Jews became indignant and formed a mob to drive the men out of the city. However, “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” «And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. », (Acts 17:4). That was the beginning of the church at Thessalonica.

In Thessalonica, Paul and Silas stayed with a man named Jason, and when the Thessalonian mob decided to get rid of the missionaries, they rushed Jason’s house and dragged him into the streets. After a hasty consultation with city officials, they made Jason post bond and released him. Meanwhile, the new Thessalonian believers hid Paul and company until dark and then sent them on to Berea, a city about 45 miles to the southwest «And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. », (Acts 17:10). In Berea, Paul found a much more receptive audience (verses 11 and 12). The Bereans considered Paul’s words and compared them with the Scriptures instead of taking offense and resisting the gospel as the Thessalonians had.

Even though Paul and Silas had left their city, the unbelieving Thessalonian Jews were not satisfied. They followed theMissionaries went to Berea and attempted to incite the crowd against them, as they had done in their own city. “But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.” (Acts 17:13). The Berean believers secretly moved Paul to the coast, where he boarded a ship for Athens. Silas and Timothy stayed in Berea to instruct and support the new church there.

Shortly after his initial visit to Thessalonica, Paul was in Corinth, where he wrote two letters now known as 1 and 2 Thessalonians, directed to the newly established church in Thessalonica. 1 Thessalonians is among Paul’s earliest letters to churches. Despite the challenging circumstances the new believers faced in Thessalonica, they remained steadfast in the teachings they received, and reports of their commitment to Christ spread throughout Macedonia (1 Thessalonians 1:7-8).

Paul’s time in Thessalonica was likely challenging. In his first letter to the church there, Paul mentioned that he worked while in the city, in addition to teaching and preaching, to avoid burdening his hosts. “For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.” (1 Thessalonians 2:9). Although Paul did not specify the nature of his work, it was probably tent-making, a trade he was skilled in (Acts 18:1-3).

Because of the limited time he spent in Thessalonica, Paul was concerned about the church there. He attempted to return.In his letter, Paul mentions that he tried to visit them repeatedly, but Satan hindered him «Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. », (1 Thessalonians 2:18). Consequently, Paul sent Timothy to visit and uplift them in their faith (1 Thessalonians 3:1-5). Paul was concerned that their faith might have been shaken by temptations, potentially rendering his efforts among them fruitless (verse 5). However, Timothy returned with positive news about the thriving Thessalonian church, prompting Paul to write 1 Thessalonians to provide encouragement and clarify the concept of the “day of the Lord.”

Subsequently, certain individuals began spreading the false belief in the Thessalonian church that the Lord had already returned and Judgment Day was imminent (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2). To exacerbate matters, these deceivers claimed their teachings originated from Paul. In response, the apostle wrote 2 Thessalonians to dispel their anxieties and offer a more comprehensive understanding of “the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him” (verse 1). The Thessalonians had not missed the Lord’s return.

Situated in a prominent Macedonian city, the Thessalonian church had a unique opportunity to spread the gospel throughout the region. They effectively shared the Lord’s message, as evidenced by the resounding impact of their faith «For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. », (1 Thessalonians 1:8). Similarly, many contemporary churches are established in regions hostile to the gospel, echoing Paul’s guidance and support for the Thessalonians.

There are also encouragements for those today who “have longed for His appearing” «henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. », (2 Timothy 4:8). Paul’s words to his friends at the church in Thessalonica are timeless promises to us all.