Thessalonica (Thessaloniki)

Paul with Silas and Timothy came to Thessalonica from Philippi on his second missionary journey, stopping in Amphipolis and Apollonia before arriving here (Acts 17). He preached in the city’s synagogue, the chief synagogue of the region for at least three weeks.

• Bible:
  • Acts 17:1-13; 27:2
  • Philippians 4:16
  • 1 Thess.
  • 2 Thess.
  • 2 Timothy 4:10
• Travel:
  • Turkey & Greece 2019
    • Sun 3/10
      • 11:00 — Depart Philippi for Thessalonica (Thessaloniki)
      • Quick stop at lion statue of Amphipolis - (Acts 17:1)
      • 12:30 — Lunch
      • 12:30 — Lunch
      • 3:00 — Arrive at Thessaloniki Archaeological Site
        • On site Textual Lesson Reading: 1 Thess. 1:2-10
      • 4:00 — City Panoramic Tour
      • 4:30 — Arrive in Thessaloniki and overnight at Capsis hotel
      • Dinner
    • Mon 3/11
      • 7:00 — Breakfast
      • 8:00 — (or earlier) Following breakfast, check out
• Resources:
  • Wikipedia
  • Wikimedia
  • Web
  • Map

Background

The port city of Thessalonica (now called Salonica or Thessaloniki) was founded by the Macedonian General Kassander in celebration of the successful campaigns against the Persians (314 BC).

After leaving Philippi, Paul and company came to Thessalonica. Paul, as always, went first to the synagogue, and for three Sabbaths he preached out of the Old Testament, showing the Jews and God-fearers that Jesus was the promised Messiah. Some Jews and many God-fearers became Christians. Paul and his missionary companions found success preaching to the people of Thessalonica but were ultimately forced out of the city by detractors. Sometime after they left, Paul learned that the Thessalonian Saints had remained faithful and were sharing the gospel message with others.

Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica because Paul knew that trials and persecutions were in store for all believers.

The city was the birthplace of Mustafa Kemal, later known as Ataturk, the father of modern Turkey.

Thessaloniki Archaeological Site

The Rotonda (or Rotunda) is an impressive circular building in the center of Thessaloniki. It was originally constructed by Roman General Galerius in about 300 AD and in the late 4th century AD, it was turned into a Christian church and decorated with nice frescoes.

Title image credit

More to come...