By

Shelby G. Floyd

Paul and Silas traveled in the northern part of Asia when they were on their second evangelistic journey. The Holy Spirit of God forbade them to preach the gospel in that area. They entered the city of Troas where Paul had a vision in the night of a man pleading for them to come over into Macedonia (Acts 16:6-10). At once they embarked to Philippi, where they established the first congregation of the church in Europe. After much persecution they were forced to depart to Thessalonica (Acts 16:11-17:1).

Thessalonica was one of the chief cities of Macedonia, being favorably located on the great Roman road called the Via Ignatia. At one time the city was called Therma because of the hot springs. Cassander remodeled and enlarged the city. Then he chose to honor his wife Thessalonica, by naming the city after her. (1) the Romans then made it the capital of the province of Macedonia and 164 B. C. And after the Battle of Philippi in 42 B. C. It became a free city. (2)

Paul immediately entered the synagogue of the Jews. This is probably the reason they passed by Amphipolis and Apollonia. A synagogue usually always represented a large Jewish population and Gentile proselytes. (3) Ten Jewish men were required to establish a synagogue. Then Paul reasoned with them from the Scriptures that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead. Then he plainly stated, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ” (Acts 17:2-3).

Luke the physician became a traveling partner with them at Troas (Acts 16:10), relates to us that some of the Jews and a great multitude of the Greeks and chief women believed! (4) some say the reason so many Gentiles were converted was the fact Paul stayed on the increase directly to them after the doors of the synagogue were closed. (5) this seems highly and likely since the unbelieving Jews rounded up all the of the towns rascals and stirred up a mob riot. After he had sold the house of Jason, the brethren immediately remove Paul and Silas to Berea, knowing it was not safe for them to stay there any longer. Just exactly how long they were in Thessalonica is a question which has been answered in many ways. But Luke sets forth the fact that they were forced to leave after three weeks preaching. This seems correct, for Paul and Silas were having met many responses at Berea until the same unbelieving Jews at Thessalonica came down insert up the people. It then seems doubtful they would have been able to stay at Thessalonica any longer than three weeks!

After Paul came down to Athens he was still concerned about the new converts in Christ he had left so quickly at Thessalonica, for they were still in need of instruction. In his letter to the young church he tells us that he did send Timothy back to instruct and comfort them in the faith. (6)

Paul departed from Athens after a short encounter with a city that was full of idols, and then he came to Corinth. Soon after his arrival, Timothy and Silas returned from their mission in Macedonia. (7) While writing his letter Paul even states that Timothy had just arrived. (8) so from these facts we must conclude that his first letter to the church at Thessalonica was written from Corinth. Most scholars agree this was the place from which he wrote first Thessalonians.

In 1909 a mutilated inscription was discovered at Delphi which named Gallio as proconsul. His official duties are dated from July 51 to July 52 A. D. Paul had been preaching the word of God for a year and six months before Gallio became Deputy of Achaia, so this would place the date of writing around A.D. 50. (9) Harnack says the epistle was written about 48 A.D. and John thinks it was 53 A.D. (10) somewhere between these two extremes we can say would seem to be correct. (11)

Timothy returned from Thessalonica with a report that surprised even Paul. Paul had left a group of Christians who had not been turned from dead idols very long. But they had courageously withstood persecution from their own countrymen and from them God’s word had gone forth over all of Macedonia and Achaia. Even beyond these reasons people were speaking of their great faith.

But they had some problems that needed to be settled. So Paul wrote into them with the hope of strengthening their faith in clearing away all of the false conceptions about his character and the returning of Jesus Christ. He first commends them for their steadfastness and love for all of the brothers and sisters in Christ. It seems the opposition was trying to destroy Paul’s character. So he reminded them that he did not come to them in the form of a parasite. He had worked night and day so as not to be a burden on them.

The Thessalonians also were mistaken about the second coming of Christ. Paul plainly set forth the truth that the dead in Christ would not suffer loss, but would rise first at his appearing. Then all of his people would meet him in the air and live with him forever.

This great letter must have spurred these early Christians onto greater works for their master. McGarvey says that they were the bulwark of the faith for many centuries! (12)

Bibliography
(1) F. N. Peloubet, Peloubet Bible Dictionary (Philadelphia: John C. Winston Co., 1947, p. 687
(2) F. Davidison, The New Bible Commentary (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans & Co., 1960, p. 1052
(3) J. W. McGarvey, New Commentary Acts of Apostles (Delight: Gospel Light Co.,) II, 109
(4) Acts 17:4
(5) D. Edmond Hiebert, Introduction, Pauline Epistles (Chicago: Moody Press, 1954, p 38
(6) 1 Thessalonians 3:1, 2
(7) Acts 18:5
(8) 1 Thessalonians 3:6
(9) D. Edmond Hiebert, Introduction Pauline Epistles (Chicago: Moody Press; 1954) p 42
(10) Ibid
(11) J. W. McGarvey, New Commentary Acts of Apostles (Delight: Gospel Light Co., ) I, XXXIII, XXXIV Introduction
(12) J. W. McGarvey, Standard Bible Commentary, Thessalonians (Cincinnati, Standard Publishing Co.) Intro. P. 1, 2

Shelby G. Floyd, Minister, Heartland Church of Christ, 1693 West Main Street, Greenwood, Indiana 46142