But after taking security from Jason and the rest, they let them go (Acts 17:1 - 8, HBFV). Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. As believers filled with the Holy Spirit today, we too can stand firm in our faith no matter how difficult the opposition or persecution becomes. 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. Jason has harbored [welcomed] them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another kingJesus (vv. The Thessalonians came from an idolatrous background (v. 9) but had experienced a real conversion. Under the shroud of darkness, Paul and Silas left that night for Berea, approximately 40 miles southwest of Thessalonica. The bus No.24 also arrives here. "The only possible reference to a previous missive is in 2:15" Raymond E. Brown 1997. 2 Thessalonians explains why believers will not be involved in the Tribulation. All rights reserved. Local name: . These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. Thessalonica (Thessaloniki) was founded around 315 B.C. Rather, the blessings that we perceive as miracles are a gift from the Trinity as seen fit from above. In Philippi the jailer and his family came to faith in Christ (vv. Although many believe what he says certain Jews, envious of the Gospel's success, form a mob and start a riot (Acts 17:4 - 5). According to the existing tradition, when he reached Thessaloniki it was fall of 49. when it became a city of the Roman Republic. Paul Preaches in Thessalonica Paul wanted to check on the state of the Thessalonians faith, for fear that false teachers might have infiltrated their number. It is around 10 km (6.2 mi) north . Paul wrote, from the city of Corinth, his first letter to the church residing in Thessalonica in 50 A.D. Everyone would like to have some insight into what their future holds. The apostle was continually concerned for the well-being of the brethren in Thessalonica and repeatedly prayed and agonized over their situation. Fairchild, Mary. Early church pastors etc. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. Because they lacked foundational teachings, the Thessalonian believers were confused about what would happen to those who died prior to the return of Christ. To God be all the glory. Artisans, merchants, and trade guilds made it wealthy, although most citizens performed physical labor of all types. His strong ability to convince and the intensity of his speech, led to the birth of the citys Christian community. Mary Fairchild is a full-time Christian minister, writer, and editor of two Christian anthologies, including "Stories of Calvary.". For visiting the church as well as other temples and monasteries, you have to follow some simple rules of conduct and a certain dress code. If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. 1:13; 15:22). Learn Religions, Apr. Where to sleep Church of Saint Paul the Apostle At the district of St Paul, northeastern of Thessaloniki, dominates the majestic church dedicated to the Apostle of the Nations, just above the Apostle Paul's Holy Water, since the area is related to his passing from Thessaloniki in 50 AD. 8. The two Apostles pass by Lydia's house, who accommodated them, and leave for Thessaloniki. In His grip, So, he wrote a second time. The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. Jesus is not on earth at this time but He is returning soon. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. He had become a believer under the apostles ministry. Paul wrote his first letter to the Thessalonian church from the city of Corinth around AD 51, just a few months after having preached in Thessalonica on his second missionary journey. Soon, because of Pauls activity, problems begin to rise in Thessaloniki and riots are provoked exactly as it had happened in Philippi. He visits one of the chief Jewish synagogues in the area and for three consecutive Sabbaths explains why Jesus is the Old Testament prophesied Savior (Acts 17:2 - 4). [4], Thessalonica is a city on the Thermaic Gulf, which at the time of Paul was within the Roman Empire. Paul stresses how honorably he conducted himself, reminding them that he had worked to earn his keep, taking great pains not to burden anyone. When they are not found the crowd drags Jason and some brethren to the local civil magistrate and accuses them of wrongdoing. Many Gentiles in the church had come out of idolatry, which was not a particular problem among the Jews of that time (1 Thessalonians 1:9). Rejoicing over the Thessalonians faith and service for the Lord, Paul filled his letter with love and instruction on how to live in these last days as believers, anticipating the Lords return. The Delphi Inscription dates Gallio's proconsulship of Achaia to 51-52 AD, and Acts 18:12-17 mentions Gallio, toward the end of Paul's stay in Corinth. It was a free from Roman occupation city since 168 B.C. when it became a city of the Roman Republic. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. What is the history and significance of the churches in Galatia? 17. Paul knew severe suffering would be this churchs lot, and he warned about it. It is also the first portion of scripture to associate the following events with the rapture, The departed saints returning with Jesus (4:14), The sound of the trump of God (4:16b), The catching up of living believers (4:17). The passage in 4:13-18 is the most detailed single account of the rapture in the Bible. Church of St.Paul | Thessaloniki Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/introduction-to-the-book-of-thessalonians-701029. Apostle Paul in Thessaloniki - thessaloniki.travel Written 51 A.D. from Corinth. In year 57, he arrived to the land of Macedonia again, having stayed for about half a year in Thessaloniki, Philippi and Veria edifying Christians. The church would be composed primarily of Gentiles who came out of a pagan culture. Timothy, Pauls associate, sent by the apostle from Athens to help the church in Thessalonica, 1. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. And when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and certain brethren before the city magistrates, crying out, "Those who have set the whole world in confusion have come here also, Whom Jason has received; and these all do what is contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.". Thank you for your work. David M. Levy is a Bible teacher, author, former pastor, and the retired director of International Ministries for The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry. Church of the Saviour. Soon enough, his actions steered commotion and problems, so, together with Silas, fled in the darkest hour of the night, aided by Christians, to Veroia, by climbing up the walls of Thessaloniki at the exact spot where Vlatadon Monastery was later built, as local legend has it. Let us be thankful we have the privilege of reflecting on His word and the author of this articles word, and growing in our understanding. Filled with resentment and bitterness, their leaders plotted to destroy Paul and those with him: The Jews who were not persuaded, becoming envious, took some of the evil men from the marketplace, and gathering a mob, set all the city in an uproar and attacked the house of Jason, and sought to bring them [Paul and Silas] out to the people (Acts 17:5). 1. Timothy brings a good report concerning the work in Thessalonica. This was not a payoff but, rather, an assurance that if they caused another disturbance, they would lose all they owned and be imprisoned; and the church would be disbanded. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. With the influence of various cultures and pagan religions, the fledgling community of believers in Thessalonica faced a multitude of pressures and persecutions. They acted reasonably and prudently. The founding of the Church in Thessalonica is described in Acts 17:1-10. Listen to Chuck Swindolls overview of 1 Thessalonians in his audio message from the Classic series Gods Masterwork. As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. What is the history and significance of the church in Philippi? By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. 1:9-10 ). Following Jesus Christ took a courageous, all-encompassing commitment. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. The mobs charges alarmed the citizens and politarchs of Thessalonica: They troubled the crowd and the rulers of the city when they heard these things (v. 8). The members were not, however, good Bible students (Acts 17:11). La Cathedrale Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul de Nantes - A cathedral with historic architecture and tombs of the last duke and his wife. Letters of Paul to the Thessalonians | Summary & Facts Thessalonica was an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Macedon until 168 B.C. The first letter 1 Thessalonians was written to a community of believers who had been Christians for only a short period of time, probably no more than a few months. 2023 Insight for Living Ministries. Expand Chapter Summary Paul begins to flesh out the general ideas he mentioned in chapter 1. 1:13) would, following his conversion (Acts 9:3-9), become the greatest missionary, church planter, soul winner, and theologian in church history, authoring nearly half of the New Testament books! Bouffay (The Old City) - Of the own, it is the oldest quarter. Church of the Saviour, Thessaloniki - Wikipedia Thank you. Its location on the Egnatian Way , its fine harbour, and its role as capital and chief seaport of Macedonia made it an ideal place to plant a church. That is sacreligious!! Large bus called Commerce and very close to airport. Besides, there is an excursion bus No.50 in Thessaloniki, which makes a study tour around the city you can get to the church by it, just ask the driver to stop at the nearest bus stop to the temple. https://thessaloniki.travel/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/18372a9dcced8d7110e2e800fab5ea12_XL.jpg, https://thessaloniki.travel/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/thessaloniki-logo.png. Apostle Paul's Epistles 'to the Thessalonians' Pauls specific, practical instruction for this process of sanctification can be applied directly to our current circumstances. Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians. By living holy lives in faithfulness to Christ and His Word, we remain ready for his return and will never be caught unprepared. [17] [18] In Acts 17:1-10, while on his second missionary journey, the Apostle Paul and his companions established the church in Thessalonica. The distances laid down in the Itineraries are Philippi to Amphipolis, thirty-three miles, Amphipolis to Apollonia, thirty miles, Apollonia to Thessalonica, thirty-seven miles. Apostle Paul's Holy Church in Thessaloniki, Greece Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. This was a good resource for a presentation Im giving to a group of teenage boys. 4:12). JZ. Get in touch and we will fully organize your vacation according to your individual request. 67). We can live confidently in the hope of resurrection life. The church at Thessalonica was founded by Paul during his second missionary journey. However, the Thessalonian leaders did not panic, unleash violence on the Christians, or imprison them. 15:51-54 for the second passage. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. This site uses cookies. by Macedon's King Cassander, on or near the ancient site of Therma. 3. Hope of the Resurrection: Besides encouraging the church, Paul wrote this letter to correct some doctrinal errors regarding the resurrection. Of the six, only the church at Corinth and the one in Thessalonica were blessed with two inspired letters. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. Women are allowed to enter Greek churches not only in a skirt but in trousers as well, besides it is not accepted here to cover the head with a kerchief. 1st Thessalonians: Background and Circumstances - Understanding Thessalonica was a free city (without a military force) governed by its citizens and was more Greek than Roman in character. His chief concern was that they be faithful to Christ and to his teaching, live responsibly in their daily lives, and gain a proper outlook on the Lord's return. Chapter 46: 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians - The Church of Jesus Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. There was an element of truth to the accusations. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. A large port as well as the arterial road Via Egnatia that passed through the city were meant to help Christianity to spread fast to Asia Minor and Europe. When Timothy rejoined Paul in Corinth, he had good news: despite intense persecution, the Christians in Thessalonica were standing firm in the faith. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. I use Pastor Chuck Swindoll's books a lot: Moses, David, Joseph, Esther, Hand Me Another Brick. This epistle emphasizes the second of two cardinal doctrines proclaimed by the early church, namely, (1) the resurrection of Christ, and, (2) the return of Christ. 1:3). Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians - Learn Religions I am a pastor in Kenya. Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. Close to a chapel and the Holy spring there is a cave where the preacher stayed after he had left Thessaloniki. Pauls ministry in Thessalonica obviously touched not only Jews but Gentiles as well. Thessalonica was a "free city" (without a military force) governed by its citizens and was more Greek than Roman in character. These two epistles are the first ones written by the apostle that are included in the New Testament. In Acts 17:1-10, while on his second missionary journey, the Apostle Paul and his companions established the church in Thessalonica. Chronologically, it is the first of two New Testament passages referring to the rapture in detailed account. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. A little below the great temple there is a park and two more earlier churches dedicated to Apostle. The king named the city after his wife Thessalonike, who was Alexander the Great's half-sister. What I have not seen and am interested in is an estimation of the size of the Christian community that Paul writes to. Nantes - Pays de la Loire Virtual Tour View a list of Bible maps, excerpted from The Swindoll Study Bible. 1:16; cf. 1. Who? RF 2BWA09K - St Paul's statue at the Church of the Holy Three Kings in Kraljev Vrh, Croatia As you read the words of 2 Thessalonians, allow them to rekindle your hope and fan into flame your desire to live in God-honoring, industrious ways. The "Footsteps of Apostle Paul" passed through all the places the restless Evangelic preacher taught, and formed an ideal combination of both a pilgrimage and touring, in some of the most beautiful spots in Greece. Summary Two letters that Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica are preserved in the New Testament. In order not to limit the time of your walk and not to depend on the timetable of the city buses, it would be better to set to St.Pauls church by car you can rent a car, take a taxi or order a transfer for a selected route. IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF APOSTLE PAUL - thessaloniki.travel Its population, estimated at 200,000, was made up of Greeks, Romans, and Jews. Im not convinced yet, but always will be open to that possibility. Thessalonica was a key city in Paul's missionary strategy. (See 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:1-11, 23.). The believers in Thessalonica managed to stay true to the faith even without the presence of the apostles. The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. may God bless you, it is very nice to me on preparing Sunday ceremony. He wanted to evangelize the Roman province of Asia (Turkey), but God hindered him until his third missionary journey. The city borders the Aegean Sea, providing access to the Mediterranean. . Learn how your comment data is processed. 2. Praise the Lord and thank you Jesus. He wrote a second letter to the area in 51 A.D. Apostle Paul's Journey to Thessalonica - Bible Study Preparing to teach a Sunday school lesson in relation to this article. He is faithful and unlimited. On this site we have gathered favorite locations so that you can inspire yourself with ideas for a trip. It offers the first of two key verses used to support the triunity of man (5:23; Heb. 16:21) organizing the church, working all the while as a tentmaker, that he might not be a burden to the believers. The church at Thessalonica was founded by Paul and his co-workers Timothy and Silas during the so-called Second Missionary Journey in AD 50. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. The dome. Because of this, some scholars see this as an indication that this letter was written before the Epistle to the Galatians, where Paul's positions on these matters were formed and elucidated. Thus, Paul's primary purpose for writing the epistle was to encourage, comfort, and strengthen the church. From Athens, Paul goes to Corinth. I also recently read another article of yours where you stated that Jesus is not on earth performing miracles now. With that in mind, Paul taught the people that any spiritual growth would ultimately be motivated by their hope in the ultimate return of Jesus Christ. Have you ever watched a TV show that asks simple questions to the so-called man on the street? Apostle Paul will keep close relationships with the people from Philippi and will boost them financially several times even when he was imprisoned in Rome. What we think of as miracles, yes. There were difficulties in the congregation. Timothy and Silas remain in Berea. Jesus is truly a God of miracles! Do miracles happen every day? There was a large synagogue here a religious center for Jewish part of population of the smaller towns, which surrounded Thessaloniki and which had only church-houses. Pauls preaching and especially disliked seeing Gentiles believe Jesus was the Messiah. We may request cookies to be set on your device. View Chuck Swindoll's chart of 1 Thessalonians, which divides the book into major sections and highlights themes and key verses. The apostles strategy was to preach the gospel first in a citys synagogue, always going to the Jew first (Rom. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! Museum of the French military cemetery of Zeitenlik, Tuning in Thessalonikis online Festivals. Paul, author of 1 Thessalonians and at least 12 other New Testament books, church planter, evangelist, missionary, and perhaps the greatest of all the apostles, 2. As part of his second missionary journey the Apostle Paul visits Thessalonica with Timothy and Silas. By clinging to our hope in Christ, we may see several clear results in our lives: avoiding sexual immorality, refusing to defraud others, appreciating those Christians who serve on your behalf, refusing to repay evil for evil, rejoicing always, praying without ceasing, and giving thanks in all thingsto name a few (1 Thessalonians 4:37; 5:1223). Some people believed and became Pauls and Silas students. First Thessalonians provides Christians with the clearest biblical passage on the coming rapture of believers, an event that will inaugurate the seven-year tribulation. 2:9; 2 Thess. He soon is driven from Berea by the same vicious Jews and heads for Athens. How much more so when it comes to the end of the whole world? 14. [1] It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki. Some were disobedient (2 Thess. Every single day we see and experience His miracles and His work with us in our lives every day. Thus, in 49 A.D. the northern capital of Greece became "the Golden Gate" into Europe for Christianity. Its focus on Christs return provides water for the thirsty soul today, encouraging growth in maturity by providing hope in the midst of suffering or uncertainty. After Paul started the church in Thessalonica, he wrote this first letter to the believers there within just a few months of leaving. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Some rather stern responses regarding another writing about Christs presence and miracles in this day. And hope is exactly what we lack today, one of the great roots of this gradual slip into increased self-centeredness. Did the Church start out as a house Church? The Bible Says 'No' to Talking to the Dead, 25 Bible Verses for Funerals and Sympathy Cards, General Biblical Studies, Interdenominational Christian Training Center. After the liberation of Thessaloniki, a church in his honor was constructed in this place and the Holy Water became well known. 3134) and encouraged Paul and Silas to leave the city, which they did. Book of First Thessalonians Overview - Insight for Living They were former polytheists who accepted the ethical monotheism of Israel and attended the synagogue, but they did not keep the whole Mosaic Law (such as circumcision). The Thessalonian church was a strong and flourishing one, composed of Gentiles rather than of Jews, if we may judge from the tone of the two Epistles addressed to its members, the absence of quotations from and allusions to the Old Testament, and the phrase "Ye turned unto God from idols" (1 Thess 1:9; compare also 2:14). However, most scholars believe Paul spent about three months, rather than three weeks, with the Thessalonians because he would have had to have been there long enough to receive more than one offering from the Philippian church (Philippians 4:1516). (See 1 Thess. How chaotic was starting Thessalonica's church. It is also interesting to note that the prevalence of Gentiles in Thessalonica was such that Paul's two letters do not use any quotations from the Old Testament. It was opened in April 1922. Do you ever feel as though your Christian faith has grown stale, that you are withering on the vine when you would rather be flourishing in His service? The bustling seaport city of Thessalonica was the capital of Macedonia, located along the Egnatian Way the most important trade route in the Roman Empire, running from Rome to Asia Minor. According to Acts 17:2 Paul remained in the city at least three weeks, but the fact that the church at Philippi (three days journey away by road) sent him aid at least twice (Phil. You can also change some of your preferences. The Acts of the Apostles describes Paul preaching in a Jewish synagogue and persuaded people who were already Jewish that Jesus was the Messiah,[6] but in 1 Thessalonians itself Paul says that the converts had turned from idols, suggesting that they were not Jewish before Paul arrived. This true test of endurance is held each year 16. Montreuil-Juign. It was very helpful to me. 3:14-15). I pray that I could absorb all that, live it and teach it. The leaders received scanty proof of wrongdoing and probably saw through the plot after weighing the evidence. Church of Aghios Pavlos (Church of St. Paul) - thessaloniki.travel Paul spent at least three weeks in Thessalonica in the home of Jason (possibly a kinsman, see Rom. But the accusers misinterpreted the circumstances and timing of Christs rule. All believers will meet Jesus in the air to begin an eternity spent with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:1618). In Acts, Luke recorded that Paul preached for three Sabbath days to the Jews in the local synagogue (Acts 17:2). The word security means the Christians posted a financial bond. Thus, in 49 A.D. the northern capital of Greece became the Golden Gate into Europe for Christianity. In no way were the Christians inciting disloyalty to Caesar or attempting to establish Christs Kingdom rule in place of Roman rule. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. Paul. "Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians." Upon Pauls departure, this extremely young church was devoid of mature leadership to provide counsel and discipleship; and it would continue to suffer persecution (1 Th. But the unbelieving Jews became envious and took to them certain evil men of the baser sort; and when they had gathered a huge crowd, they set the city in an uproar; and they assaulted the house of Jason, looking for Paul and Silas, to bring them out to the people. Learn Religions. According to the local tradition, Paul taught Thessalonians at the south chapel of the Vlatadon Monastery. The church was noted for its soulwinning zeal (1 Thess. It is likely among the first of Paul's letters, probably written by the end of AD 52, [3] though some scholars believe .
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