The Letters to the Thessalonians Comunicación y Gerencia 9:30 Adult Sunday School Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church

Introduction to the Thessalonians

VIDEO: IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF PAUL Introduction to the Thessalonians

The city of Thessalonica enjoyed the advantages of a strategic location. The famous Via Egnatia (Egnatian Way), spanning Macedonia from east to west, passed through the walls of the city.

Introduction to the Thessalonians This important Roman highway facilitated brisk travel and commerce and put Thessalonica into ready contact with the important inland districts on either side of it.

Introduction to the Thessalonians It was the principal artery of communication between Rome and her eastern provinces.

Introduction to the Thessalonians Due to its location, Thessalonica might well be called “the key to the whole of Macedonia.” The dictum of Meletius concerning it was, “So long as nature does not change, Thessalonica will remain wealthy and fortunate.” One of its native poets proudly called it the “mother of all Macedon.”

Introduction to the Thessalonians Thessalonica was the largest city of Macedonia. It has been estimated that during Paul’s time its population may have been as high as 200,000. The majority of the inhabitants were Greeks, but there was also a mixture of other ethnic groups, including Jews (according to Acts 17:1- 10). Today about half of Salonica is Jewish.

Introduction to the Thessalonians As to their moral standards, the Thessalonians were hardly any different from the citizens of any other large Greek city. Presumably, most were idolaters, though it is certain that some were seeking a different kind of religious experience than polytheism could provide; hence, they attached themselves (loosely) to the local synagogue.

Introduction to the Thessalonians In 315 BC, Cassander, the son-in-law of Philip of Macedon (who fathered Alexander the Great) gathered and organized the area villages into a new metropolis, Thessalonica. He gave the city its name in honor of his wife, the half- sister of Alexander. Thessalonica remained in Greek hands until 168 BCE, when the Romans took possession after winning the battle of Pydna.

Introduction to the Thessalonians At that time: –the Romans divided the conquered territory into four districts, Thessalonica [being] named the capital of the second district. In 146 B.C. Macedonia was united into one Roman province with Thessalonica as the natural choice for its capital. In 42 B.C. Thessalonica was made a “free city” by Anthony and Octavian, the future Augustus, as a reward for the help given in the struggle against Brutus and Cassius.

Introduction to the Thessalonians At that time: –the Roman proconsul, the governor of Macedonia, had his residence in Thessalonica, but because it was a “free city” he did not control its internal affairs. No Roman garrison was stationed there, and in spirit and atmosphere it was a Greek rather than a Roman city. Enjoying local autonomy, the city was apparently governed by a board of magistrates…

Introduction to the Thessalonians Furthermore, according to Acts 17, the city also had a senate and a public assembly. Acts 17: 1-9 is the first reference to the city of Thessalonica.

Introduction to the Thessalonians Acts 17: 1-9: When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead.

Introduction to the Thessalonians “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,” he said. 4 Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God- fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women. 5 But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city.

Introduction to the Thessalonians They rushed to Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd.[a] 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, 7 and Jason has welcomed them into his house.

Introduction to the Thessalonians They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.” 8 When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. 9 Then they made Jason and the others post bond and let them go.

Introduction to the Thessalonians Questions: –How long was Paul in Thessalonica? –Where did he preach at? –What was his message? –What did he use to convey his message? –What profound statement did Paul make? –Who all believed his message?

Introduction to the Thessalonians Questions: –What was the reaction of some of the Jews? –Who do you think these Jews were? –What was their accusation? –What was the response of the local officials? –Why do you think that the following groups reacted in the way they did? Jews Local officials

OVERVIEW OF 1 ST THESSALONIANS Introduction to the Thessalonians

Overview of 1st Thessalonians The author –The apostle Paul. Date of writing –The time and place is uncertain. It is generally thought that this was the earliest of Paul’s letters and was probably written from Corinth, A.D

Overview of 1st Thessalonians The Church –Founded by Paul on his second missionary journey. He met with violent opposition in his work, but he succeeded in winning some Jews and numerous Greeks, which enabled him to establish a faithful church.

Overview of 1st Thessalonians Historical Occasion –Paul had sent Timothy to encourage and strengthen the church. On his return, the report he gave apparently inspired the apostle to write the letter. Main Themes –This is one of the most personal of all of Paul’s letters. It is not as doctrinal or polemical as some of the others.

Overview of 1st Thessalonians Main Themes –The body of the letter consists chiefly of commendations, personal reminiscences, counsel, and exhortations. –The central truth, strongly emphasized, is the future hope of the coming of Christ.

Wrap Up Next week, we will begin with the 1 st Letter to the Thessalonians. We will be reading 1 st Thessalonians 1: if you want to read ahead and be ready for next week.