MOVING INTO EUROPE

FIRST CONVERTS IN PHILIPPI Both a roman colony and important city No synagogue First converts were some notable women, notably a women named Lydia Continued in Philippi about two months The healing of a demon-possessed girl; Paul and Silas landed in jail. The conversion of the jailer Released when the magistrates learn Paul and Silas were Roman citizens

CONFLICT IN THESSALONICA A sizable city with a large Jewish population Paul begin by preaching in the synagogue Opposition arose from Jews who rejected the message Accused of advocating “um-Roman” beliefs Left Thessalonica for Berea where they found a better reception because the Bereans examined the OT to verify the message Left for Athens when trouble arose.

THE GREEKS CHALLENGE PAUL Paul and company arrive in Athens Taught in the synagogue and marketplace Discussed religion with philosophers (At.17.22-31) Conversed with Stoics and Epicureans Recognized Athenian religious beliefs Called attention to the “unknown god” Proclaimed Jesus and the resurrection Some believed but most scoffed Planted a church in Athens

PAUL IN CORINTH Strategic port city Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half While there, word from Macedonia came by means of Silas and Timothy Boldly proclaimed Jesus Messiah Met two believers – Aquila and Priscilla Worked with them as tentmakers Taught in the synagogue Wrote 1 and 2 Thessalonians

TEMPLE OF APOLLO

AGORA (MARKETPLACE)

RUINS OF THE TEMPLE OF APHRODITE

1THESSALONIANS A brief but encouraging letter Praised the believers for their faithfulness in the face of strong persecution Paul’s expression of concern for the church Paul addressed these essential matters: Practical areas of life Avoid sexual immorality Express love in practical ways End times, the rapture, and the Day of the Lord The question of those who had “fallen asleep” Would those who had died before the Lord’s return participate in the Kingdom? Paul assured that those who had died would not be left out

2 THESSALONIANS Written to correct a misunderstanding about the return of the Lord A false letter claimed that the day had already come (2:1-2) The nature of the coming of the Lord: The return would only come when the “man of lawlessness” was revealed (2:5-12) Be encouraged by the promise of his coming God would judge their persecutors Warning against idleness (3:6-15)

THE RETURN TO ANTIOCH After 1 ½ years, Paul returned to Antioch accompanied by Aquila and Priscilla Crossed over to Ephesus; stopped at the synagogue Left Aquila and Priscilla to minister there, especially to a certain Apollos From Ephesus, Paul went to Caesarea, then to greet the church (in Jerusalem?) Continued to Antioch to give his report