“The City of Thessalonica” from the lesson series Grab Your Passport, April 2021
our Scripture
Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica
| Acts 17:1-9 ESV | |||
| NIV
Acts 17:1-9 NIV |
NASB
Acts 17:1-9 NASB |
NLT
Acts 17:1-9 NLT |
MESSAGE
Acts 17:1-9 MESSAGE |
Other Scripture references:
Acts 27:2
Philippians 4:16
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
2 Timothy 4:10
2 Thessalonians 3:17-18
our Lessons
From Philippi Paul and his companions journeyed west-by-south-west along the Egnatian Way through Amphipolis on the Strymon (capital of the first district of Macedonia) and Apollonia and arrived at Thessalonica, about 90 miles from Philippi.
The city and port of Thessalonica stood near the earlier city of Therme. The Thermaic Gulf derives its name from the city. Cassander, then king of Macedonia, founded Thessalonica around 315 BC. The king named the city after his wife Thessalonica, daughter of Phillip and half-sister to Alexander the Great. Its original residents were from Therme and about 25 other surrounding villages whom Cassander forcibly relocated to populate the new city which honored his wife.
When the Romans divided Macedonia into four districts in 167 BC Thessalonica became the capital of the second district. Later Rome made Macedonia a province, Thessalonica became the seat of provincial government. In 42BC the city enjoyed its status as a free city, governed by its own politarchs. Interestingly this title appears nowhere in Greek literature apart from Acts 17:6, but it is amply attested in inscriptions belonging to the period for Thessalonica itself and several other Macedonian cities.
Paul’s Arrival in Thessalonica
As was Paul’s custom or tradition, he preached the message of the gospel first to the Jews, wherever he was able to find them. While in Philippi he had to find them outside the city gates, in Thessalonica a thriving synagogue community was established. Luke tells us that for three consecutive Sabbaths, Paul reasoned with the congregation that the scriptures found their fulfillment in Jesus. Given our culture, it may not be easy to picture how a stranger traveling through town would have such access to a presentation in the synagogue service and structure.
Recognized rabbinic travelers like Paul were often asked to read Scripture (which included expounding upon them) in the synagogue service. On occasion, particularly when a rabbi shared common rabbinical instructors with other synagogue officials, the rabbi might be asked to give the main address. Paul studied at the feet of Gamaliel, one of the most well-known and well-respected rabbinical instructors of the day. But it is more likely that Paul took a posture in the courts, pulling up his own soap box and proclaiming his message. With a combination of the Greek philosopher and the Jewish rabbinic teacher, evangelists and their followers often filled the synagogue courts.
The Jewish monotheism was not the only religious influence in Thessalonica. Turning the gaze inland, Thessalonica provided a perfect view above the clouds of the tip of Mount Olympus. Stories of the gods and goddesses thrived in Thessalonica because of the view. Pagan worship of the Egyptian gods Serapis and Isis emerged through travelers from Alexandria.
Thessaloniki Today
Do you have difficulty imagining the places in the New Testament existing today? The disconnect between the past and the present contributes to an almost fictional understanding of the cities of the Bible. Thessalonica is the Anglicized form of the Grecian city Thessaloniki. Today’s population is close to 300,000 – about the size of Greensboro, North Carolina or Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
As in Paul’s day, the city resides right on the edge of a gulf, providing a thriving sea port for incoming and outgoing trade and traffic. Located on the great Roman Via Egnatia, Thessaloniki bustled with land travelers as well.
Abrupt Departure
Paul’s departure from a city had almost become a tradition as well. Amidst accusations of treason and religious blasphemy, Paul reluctantly left the new Christians who would require teaching and guidance. The charges must be set in the context of widespread unrest in Jewish communities throughout the Empire. Individuals with Messianic hopes were springing up everywhere, trying to rally the Jewish populations into rebelling against governments. It speaks highly of the maturity of the leadership of the politarchs of Thessalonica that they did not panic when they heard of the serious charges against these preachers. Their well-worded presentation, along with quick decisive action, took the wind out of the fiery riots.
Let’s apply the lesson to today. How was Paul’s presentation of the gospel and Christianity persecuted on the second journey? How was persecution seen in Thessalonica? What was the source of the persecution?
How is Christianity persecuted today? In the world? In the United States? Has the persecution changed in your lifetime? Have your convictions and beliefs changed because of the persecution? Does persecution alter your ability to share the gospel changed?
| Lesson Series | This Lesson: The Pointe | This Lesson: Mediterranean Moments |
 |
 |
 |