The Letter to the Thessalonians

The Thessalonian community was founded in a time where persecution of Christians has

already started. Paul and Silas went to Thessalonica after they were beaten and imprisoned – and

afterwards released – in Philippi, “a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman

colony.”1 In Philippi, they were persecuted by Romans. In Thessalonica, they preached in the

Synagogue and spent time “arguing with them from the scriptures, about how the messiah had to

suffer and die and rise again.”2 By their preaching, many Jews in the synagogue and the devout

Greeks and “not a few of the leading women”3 were persuaded. Thus, the start of a small

Christian community in Thessalonica. But in Thessalonica too, they were not spared from

persecution, this time, by Jews who became jealous of those who believed in their preaching.

Thus, they were mobbed. But the mob could not find Paul and Silas, and instead attacked Jason’s

house where Jason and some believers were dragged out before city authorities. They were

accused of entertaining as guests, those who “have been turning the world upside down,

proclaiming Jesus as king, contrary to the decrees of the emperor.”4 The opposition forced Paul

and Silas to flee Thessalonica. That night, Paul and Silas were sent off, by the believers, to

Beroea. By its tone and theme, the letter to the Thessalonians perhaps was written since Paul was

worried that the believers in Thessalonica might also be persecuted, and then abandon their faith.

Thus he encourages them, through the letter, to persevere.5 He also tells them that he wants to

visit them again and that he will send them Timothy, and that he will pray for them. 6

Good summary of the reading. You bring out well the major ideas. 92

1
Acts 16:12
2
Acts 17:3
3
Acts 17:4
4
Acts 17:7
5
1 Thessalonians 2:13
6
1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13