Following his practice of going first to the Jews, and then to the Gentiles, the apostle, upon arriving into Thessalonica, went to the Jewish synagogue, spending three Sabbaths reasoning with them in the Scriptures. He spoke about the death and resurrection of Jesus the Messiah. From this preaching he had a good response with a considerable number of Jews, along with Gentiles, who embraced the message regarding Jesus upon coming to Thessalonica (1:4).
However, after this time some unbelieving Jews aroused Gentiles against the apostle and his followers, including Jason, who had been housing Paul and Silas.
Site Study
| Hershel Wayne House | Thessalonica
Thessalonica, today known as Thessaloniki, received two letters from the Apostle Paul. Unlike many ancient cities, Thessalonica survived the centuries, and has become the second largest city in modern Greece.
When the Apostle came to the city, he befriended a Jew named Jason (Jesus in Hebrew) and worked at his trade of tent-cloth making. Paul’s strategy of spending time in the important trade centers of his day was once again demonstrated in Thessalonica. The city was a bustling hub of mercantilism, with the important Via Egnatia trade road running through the city and a busy harbor shipping goods all over the Mediterranean.
Unlike nearby Philippi, there was a large Jewish population in the city (which continues to this day), which may have necessitated the three consecutive Sabbath visits Paul made to the synagogue when he came to Thessalonica.
Because the city has been continuously inhabited for almost 2500 years, and is to this day built on the same site it has occupied for its whole history, archaeological investigation in Thessalonica has been sparse. However, archaeological finds at Thessalonica have exonerated Luke’s accuracy. At one time scholars disparaged Luke’s use of the word “πολιτάρχης” (“politarches,” - ruler or chief magistrate) because the word was not found in Greek literature. However, archaeological finds in Thessalonica have found nearly twenty inscriptions with the word in them, including inscribed on a still extant arch over a street, known as the Vardar Gate.
1Therefore, my brothers, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.
2I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same way in the Lord. 3Yes, I beg you also, true partner, help these women, for they labored with me in the Good News with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
4Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!” 5Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
8Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report: if there is any virtue and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9Do the things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
10But I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity. 11Not that I speak because of lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. 12I know how to be humbled, and I also know how to abound. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need. 13I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 14However you did well that you shared in my affliction. 15You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only. 16For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need. 17Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account. 18But I have all things and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God. 19My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20Now to our God and Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
21Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22All the saints greet you, especially those who are of Caesar’s household.
23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.