No other biblical book, regardless of its size, gives as much space to the rapture as does 1 Thessalonians. Copyright 2010 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. I pray that I could absorb all that, live it and teach it. It is said that he stopped there to drink some water. 110). 4:16). In this lesson we address some of the features of city life that have a bearing on the work of the Gospel. (See 1 Thess. Fairchild, Mary. In His grip, Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. The founding of the Church in Thessalonica is described in Acts 17:1-10. "Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians." The authenticity of 1 Thessalonians 2:1316 is disputed because its content appears at odds with the surrounding passages and Paul's theology in other epistles. We do not know exactly how many were the first Christians but we know for sure that a church was established in Thessaloniki. I use Pastor Chuck Swindoll's books a lot: Moses, David, Joseph, Esther, Hand Me Another Brick. Impressed by the faithfulness of the Thessalonians in the face of persecution, Paul wrote to encourage the Christians in that community with the goal that they would continue to grow in godliness. As first-century Christians, they were constantly under threat of stoning, beatings, torture, and crucifixion. 1 Thessalonians does not focus on justification by faith or questions of JewishGentile relations, themes that are covered in all other letters. 2. He wanted to evangelize the Roman province of Asia (Turkey), but God hindered him until his third missionary journey. However, most scholars believe Paul spent about three months, rather than three weeks, with the . Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. But are they coming through a physical being as was provided in the days of Christ on the earth, and His appointing such powers through the Holy Spirit to the Apostles? 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. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Daily Living: Paul also instructed the new Christians on practical ways to prepare for the Second Coming of Christ. All believers will meet Jesus in the air to begin an eternity spent with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:1618). 1 Thessalonians: Bible at a Glance The members were not, however, good Bible students (Acts 17:11). We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. The Thessalonians came from an idolatrous background (v. 9) but had experienced a real conversion. 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. Paul. On this site we have gathered favorite locations so that you can inspire yourself with ideas for a trip. [12] A minority of scholars who do not recognize the historicity of Acts date it in the early 40s AD. It was built in the Byzantine style in the 1920s in the vicinity of the miraculous spring, whose appearance is attributed to the visit of St. Paul. Paul spent at least three weeks in Thessalonica in the home of Jason (possibly a kinsman, see Rom. Its population, estimated at 200,000, was made up of Greeks, Romans, and Jews. Thessalonica was a key city in Paul's missionary strategy. They were charged with causing a revolution, breaking the Pax Romana (Roman Peace), and trying to overthrow the Roman government to set up a king in place of Caesar. All Content 2023 Israel My Glory is an outreach ministry of the friends of israel gospel ministry |. Nantes - Pays de la Loire Virtual Tour God bless Chuck, God bless Insight For Living. Thessalonica in the Bible Encyclopedia - ISBE (Bible History Online) I can understand even such large variations. . (See 1:10; 2:19; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:1-11, 23.). All rights reserved. Paul wrote, from the city of Corinth, his first letter to the church residing in Thessalonica in 50 A.D. 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. 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. Respectfully submitted. She now walks very well by means of an artificial limb and a cane. 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. 14. His first letter was written to encourage, establish, instruct, and inspire. Thessaloniki Tourism - Church of Saint Paul the Apostle G. Friedrich, "1. In Thessalonica - When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. David M. Levy is a Bible teacher, author, former pastor, and the retired director of International Ministries for The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry. This should help us understand Paul's letters to the church at Thessalonica. The believers in Thessalonica managed to stay true to the faith even without the presence of the apostles. The Bible Says 'No' to Talking to the Dead, 25 Bible Verses for Funerals and Sympathy Cards, General Biblical Studies, Interdenominational Christian Training Center. The books of Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon. Click on the different category headings to find out more. The dome. Thessalonica: a city in Macedonia, visited by Paul during his second missionary trip at which time he established a church there and would later write two epistles (1 and 2 Thessalonians) to that church, 2. Following Jesus Christ took a courageous, all-encompassing commitment. Apostle Paul in Thessaloniki - thessaloniki.travel This relentless enemy of Christians (Acts 8:3; 22:5, 19; 26:11; Gal. What does 1 Thessalonians 2:18 mean? | BibleRef.com My mother is also a very spunky woman. The church made an agreement with Paul and Silas that the two men would leave the city: Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea (v. 10). Listen to Chuck Swindolls overview of 1 Thessalonians in his audio message from the Classic series Gods Masterwork. They heard all the charges and then pronounced their verdict based on these factors: Judicial action was taken against Jason and the others: So when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go (v. 9). 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. Click on the different category headings to find out more. 16:21) organizing the church, working all the while as a tentmaker, that he might not be a burden to the believers. (See Acts 17:1-10. The city contained a amphitheater where entertainment in the form of gladiatorial shows were held for the local citizens and also a circus were exhibited for the amusement of the citizens, and a circus where games for the public took place. You can check these in your browser security settings. That is sacreligious!! 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. Paul knew that hope in Christ would encourage perseverance in godly living. That is a stretch on the scriptures I suggest we do not choose to add. 11. Religious pluralism filled Thessalonica with all types of pagan cults, temples, and deities. Paul wanted to check on the state of the Thessalonians faith, for fear that false teachers might have infiltrated their number. Majestic Church dedicated to Apostle Paul was built in the district of Aghios Pavlos in Thessaloniki, just above the Apostle Paul's Holy Water. Some commentators believe he ministered in Thessalonica much longer, which is possible because the Philippian church had time to send two financial gifts on separate occasions to Paul in Thessalonica (Phil. Philippi: the city Paul had visited just before coming to Thessalonica. What? No wonder the state of our Christianity is where it us today and people are so broken and confused! Acts 14:1, 27; 15:3, 19; 16:1314; 17:12, 1012, 17; 18:4, 7, 19; 19:8, 10; 20:21; 26:20; 28:17, 2324). 3:14-15). While in Athens he sends word to Timothy requesting that his young helper go back and strengthen the work at Thessalonica, which command Timothy obeys (1 Thess. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! Its location made it a major shipping center, second only to Corinth and Ephesus. 26. The Evangelization of Thessalonica and Berea (Acts 17:1-15) Paul knew severe suffering would be this churchs lot, and he warned about itand repeatedly prayed and agonized over their situation. . However, the Thessalonian leaders did not panic, unleash violence on the Christians, or imprison them. They were seekers of truth, and Pauls message convicted them of their sin and convinced them Jesus was the Messiah. Close to a chapel and the Holy spring there is a cave where the preacher stayed after he had left Thessaloniki. This book relates Pauls founding of the church at Thessalonica and reviews its responsibilities in light of the future return of Christ (the Rapture). Thessalonica was established around 315 BC by Cassander, who named it after his wife Thessalonica, the half-sister of Alexander the Great. Timothy's report on Thessalonica was so encouraging that Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians almost immediately. Thessalonica - World History Encyclopedia Yet, Paul knew that his first letter had not solved the problems in the church at Thessalonica. 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. Whether you call it Easter or Resurrection Sunday, it is a day of rejoicing, when we gather together in churches around the Flipbooks and PDF downloads are available to subscribers only. The church would be composed primarily of Gentiles who came out of a pagan culture. 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. Closing and benediction - 1 Thessalonians 5:25-28. 9. [5] A majority of modern New Testament scholars date 1 Thessalonians to 4951 AD,[11] during Paul's 18-month stay in Corinth coinciding with his second missionary journey. Montreuil-Juign. They surmised the accusers were motivated by jealousy, rather than loyalty to Rome and Caesar. Book of Second Thessalonians Overview - Insight for Living Some rather stern responses regarding another writing about Christs presence and miracles in this day. Jason has harbored [welcomed] them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another kingJesus (vv. Please note, our website requires JavaScript to be supported. 1:8). Apostle Paul's Epistles 'to the Thessalonians' Majestic Church dedicated to Apostle Paul was built in thedistrict of Aghios Pavlos in Thessaloniki, just above the Apostle Pauls Holy Water. In Philippi the jailer and his family came to faith in Christ (vv. We may request cookies to be set on your device. [4], Thessalonica is a city on the Thermaic Gulf, which at the time of Paul was within the Roman Empire. (3) The leading women (v. 4) were the prominent wives of important Thessalonian leaders. He is faithful and unlimited. Powered by Copyright Thessaloniki Tourism Organization. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. [1] It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the Paleochristian and Byzantine monuments of Thessaloniki. How many times did Paul evangelize Berea? Our beliefs ought to translate into a changed way of life. Of the six, only the church at Corinth and the one in Thessalonica were blessed with two inspired letters. Timothy and Silas remain in Berea. He sent Timothy to comfort the Thessalonian Christians and report back on their spiritual condition. Preparing to teach a Sunday school lesson in relation to this article. 2:9; 2 . Yet these conversions were not instantaneous. The Church of the Saviour ( Greek: , Nas tou Sotros) is a 14th-century Byzantine chapel in Thessaloniki, Greece. 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. Paul stresses how honorably he conducted himself, reminding them that he had worked to earn his keep, taking great pains not to burden anyone. After Paul started the church in Thessalonica, he wrote this first letter to the believers there within just a few months of leaving. Jesus is truly a God of miracles! 18. I also recently read another article of yours where you stated that Jesus is not on earth performing miracles now. In 2013, National Geographic Magazine included Thessaloniki in its top tourist destinations worldwide, [16] while in 2014 FDI magazine (Foreign Direct Investments) declared Thessaloniki as the best mid-sized European city of the future for human capital and lifestyle. The Occasion for the Epistle. This site uses cookies. The dead in Christ shall rise first, while those still living will follow close behind. 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. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. Any help on that question would be appreciated. They acted reasonably and prudently. First Epistle to the Thessalonians - Wikipedia 67). Some people believed and became Pauls and Silas students. Peter the Apostle - Member of Jesus' Inner Circle. Now some of them were convinced, and joined themselves to Paul and Silas, including a great multitude of devout Greeks, and of the chief women not a few. The Christians at Thessalonica meant so much to Paul that he anticipated greeting Christ at His coming with the blessing of knowing he had won these believers to Christ. 16:21) organizing the church, working all the while as a tentmaker, that he might not be a burden to the believers. Paul and Silas were missing and thus could not be judged. 1. When Paul arrived in Thessaloniki, he came across a city like no other, large, province, a city that enjoyed special privileges given by the Romans. 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. The epistle is attributed to Paul the Apostle, and is addressed to the church in Thessalonica, in modern-day Greece. Thank you for this well written and informative article on the Thessalonian church I am being led to begin a single womens ministry and was led by the Holy Ghost to study 1 Thessalonians with my ladies this article has not only been informative but wonderfully set up to flow with the scriptures and in so helping me to format my study.. May the Lord bless you and keep you . at the exact spot where Vlatadon Monastery was later built, as local legend has it. According to the legend, in this area, at the foot of the Kedrinos hill, there was a water spring by which Apostle Paul stopped on his way from Thessaloniki fortress walls to Veria. (2) The phrase a great multitude of the devout Greeks refers to the God-fearing Gentiles who had left the false gods of paganism and embraced the one true God of Judaism. 3134) and encouraged Paul and Silas to leave the city, which they did. While some Jews believed ( Acts 17:4 ), the majority of the church was Gentile ( 1 Thess. After only a brief time in the city, dangerous opposition arose from those who thought Paul's message was a threat to Judaism. https://thessaloniki.travel/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/18372a9dcced8d7110e2e800fab5ea12_XL.jpg, https://thessaloniki.travel/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/thessaloniki-logo.png. "Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians." The mob attacked Jasons house hoping to seize Paul and Silas and bring them before the politarchs, or elected governors, of the city, resulting in their trial and destruction. And so to a group of young Christians with questions and uncertainties, Paul offered the hope of Christs return, providing both comfort in the midst of questions and motivation to godly living. Jesus is a King, and He will one day judge and rule the earth. Changes will take effect once you reload the page. By living holy lives in faithfulness to Christ and His Word, we remain ready for his return and will never be caught unprepared. Plight of the Thessalonians 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. The apostles strategy was to preach the gospel first in a citys synagogue, always going to the Jew first (Rom. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. 3:2-6) Paul, in around 50 AD, wrote this . Paul visited Thessalonica and preached to the local population, winning converts who became a Christian community. Paul later sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to give support and encouragement to Church members there. Thank you. After only a brief time in the city, dangerous opposition arose from those who thought Paul's message was a threat to Judaism. Paul Evades Persecution Thessalonica eventually became the capital city of the Roman district it was located in. Some were disobedient (2 Thess. Shame on those who dispute that! Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. Summary Two letters that Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica are preserved in the New Testament. 12-72 m (39-236 ft) (avg. The Hebrew Scriptures prove the Messiah needed to suffer and rise again from the dead (v. 3). If He were, we would have the second coming, and He would have taken us up with Him. According to the local tradition, Paul taught Thessalonians at the south chapel of the, . Bouffay (The Old City) - Of the own, it is the oldest quarter. Peace & Gods abundant blessings. And Paul also understood that unless the young church continued to mature in its faith, the danger would only increase over time. Standing Firm in the Faith: The new believers in Thessalonica faced heavy opposition from both Jews and Gentiles. [5] There is debate as to whether or not Paul's converts were originally Jewish. Because they lacked foundational teachings, the Thessalonian believers were confused about what would happen to those who died prior to the return of Christ. Nowadays, a modern imposing church is the proof that Apostle Paul visited Thessaloniki, preached there and brought Greeks close to Christianity. 1:13; 15:22). Letters of Paul to the Thessalonians, also called Epistles of St. Paul the Apostle to the Thessalonians, abbreviation Thessalonians, two New Testament letters written by St. Paul the Apostle from Corinth, Achaea (now in southern Greece), about 50 ce and addressed to the Christian community he had founded in Thessalonica (now in northern Greece). 16. Henrietta Mears writes: Pauls success in Thessalonica has not been the usual experience of missionaries among the heathen. 6. See 1 Cor. Thessalonica and the Apostle Paul - Bible Study Thessalonica (Thessalonike) - Drive Thru History Adventures The city borders the Aegean Sea, providing access to the Mediterranean. And hope is exactly what we lack today, one of the great roots of this gradual slip into increased self-centeredness. I have seen the estimated population of Thessolonica at 200,000 and more recently by researcher, Stark, based on more recent archeological evidence as 35,000. 1 Thessalonians 1:8). This site uses cookies. Hours:Every day 07:00 - 12:00 and 17:00 - 19:00, Address: 16, Ochi Avenue, Agios Pavlos, 55438 Thessaloniki, The tourism guide for official travellers, Advertise Contact us Live streaming, Metropolitan Church of Saint Gregory Palamas . We may request cookies to be set on your device. 2:9; 2 Thess. But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city (v. 6). The magnificent building of the temple is crowned by a flattened dome, a distinctive arch rises above the main building and decorates the central entrance. From Athens, Paul goes to Corinth. As we are informed, he discussed with the attendants and interprets them abstracts from Holy Bible which mention that Jesus should have been crucified and resurrect from the dead. However, some Gentiles had become proselytes to Judaism and were known as God-fearers. 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). Le Mans is a truly unique city and for many is little more than the location of the world-famous 24-hour La Mans car race, which was first held in 1923. What Does the Bible Say About Eternal Life? Le Mans Tourist Information and Tourism - World Guides Many of the neophyte Greeks believed, as well as several women who stood out in the city's society. So, he wrote a second time. Thus, in 49 A.D. the northern capital of Greece became the Golden Gate into Europe for Christianity. A little below the great temple there is a park and two more earlier churches dedicated to Apostle. NOESIS Thessaloniki Science Center and Technology Museum, Macedonia Thrace Travel Agents Association, Church of Aghios Pavlos (Church of St. Paul), https://thessaloniki.travel/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/4f4d9fa294e26f44f90908a15cafba41_XL.jpg, https://thessaloniki.travel/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/thessaloniki-logo.png, Apostle Pauls Epistles to the Thessalonians. Greatly relieved, Paul dictated his first epistle to the Thessalonian church. What does it mean that all things are lawful unto me (1 Corinthians 6:12; 10:23)? Montreuil-Juign - Wikipedia . After Paul started the church in Thessalonica, he wrote this first letter to the believers there within just a few months of leaving. At the same time, many members of the Greek population accepted Apostles words and willingly christianised. 3:1-2). You should choose such clothes that would cover your shoulders, knees and stomach this rule is general for both women and men. And a little higher, on the hill, the modern magnificent Church of Saint Paul is located. Help please. 1 & 2 Thessalonians, MacArthur New Testament Commentary by John MacArthur. At the district of St Paul, northeastern of Thessaloniki, dominates the majestic church dedicated to the Apostle of the Nations, just above the Apostle Pauls Holy Water, since the area is related to his passing from Thessaloniki in 50 AD. 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. Beautiful presentation of Pauls account! In no way were the Christians inciting disloyalty to Caesar or attempting to establish Christs Kingdom rule in place of Roman rule. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. by Macedon's King Cassander, on or near the ancient site of Therma. Shalom Shalom, 1. Who? Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. His visit there is short lived, for the gospel is opposed by some unbelieving Jews. Paul goes on to explain that the dead will be resurrected prior to those still living, and both groups will greet the Lord in the air.[29]. Please contact us or click here to learn more about how to enable JavaScript on your browser. It is a new and modern church that was consecrated in honor of Apostle Paul in 1997. Attesting to the importance of the city in the early spread of Christianity, Aristarchus, a disciple of the apostle . When Paul arrived in Thessaloniki, he came across a city like no other, large, multiracial, seat of the governor of the Macedonian province, a city that enjoyed special privileges given by the Romans. Here at a later date both Silas and Timothy catch up with him. 17. It was a free from Roman occupation city since 168 B.C.
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