The journey of Paul and Silas from Philippi to Thessalonica is told in the briefest of terms (v.1a) and with only fleeting references to Amphipolis and Apollonia. Their ministry in the synagogue over about three weeks met with some success (vv. 1b-4) but also stirred up resentment among the Jewish leadership (v.5ff). For their own safety Paul and Silas are quickly moved on to Berea (v.10) but not before the fledgling Church is established.
Luke's use of the word 'politarchs' to describe the 'city authorities' (v. 6 NRSV, or 'city officials', NIV; 'rulers of the city', NKJV) is interesting. Because it was not attested elsewhere, the use of this title was once regarded, by some, as an error and proof of Luke's unreliability as a historian. However, the 19thC discovery of inscriptions in Thessalonica, referring to and naming 'politarchs' (See here.), a title apparently used only in Thessalonica and for a relatively brief period of time, fully established Luke's impeccable historical accuracy (at least in this case).
The Jews of Berea, who received Paul's message with open minds, are contrasted with those of Thessalonica who had run Paul and Silas out of town (v.11) However, the Thessalonian Jews were not finished: they followed Paul and Silas south and stirred up further trouble (v. 13) causing Paul to move on to Athens.
Acts 20:4 names Aristarchus and Secundus, who are "from Thessalonica", among those traveling with Paul on a journey to Jerusalem. Though the text of Acts does not make this clear, it is possible they are representatives of the Thessalonian church and accompanying Paul with the collection of aid for the believers in Jerusalem. (1 Cor. 16:1–4; 2 Cor. 8:1–9:15; Rom. 15:25–31).
"Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica" is mentioned again as travelling with Paul when, having appealed his case to Caesar, he begins the journey from Caesarea Maritima to Rome.
In writing to the church at Philippi, Paul mentions the assistance the Philippian Christians gave to him in his ministry at Thessalonica.
Paul names Demas as one who has deserted him, because of his love of this present world, and adds that he has "gone to Thessalonica" (NRSV).
It is not unreasonable to connect Thessalonica, though not exclusively, with the multiple references to 'Macedonia', in the Apocrypha, Acts and six of Paul's letters.
Thessaloniki is a modern city occupying the same site as, and built over, the ancient city. While some hints of the past remain visible 'on the surface', much of the ancient city is only revealed when construction projects begin to dig. This is perfectly illustrated by the development of the Thessaloniki Metro. I was first aware of this in 2010. The proposed completion date of in 2012 was found to be completely unrealistic, perhaps almost entirely due to the massive archaeological project required to document and, as far as possible, preserve artefacts from from the city's history, that were exposed during the excavation. The first stage was eventually opened in 2024.
My visits to the city have all been as part of Salvation Army Study Tours, which have also included connecting with Ο Στρατός της Σωτηρίας (The Salvation Army), which began in Greece in 2007. A visit, with more time to roam and explore, will have to wait for another day! We passed through on our 2019 personal journey, but without time to explore.
Click here for a Google Earth view of Thessalonica.
The Roman forum, located in central Thessaloniki. (16 May 2010)
Remains of the Odeon associated with the Roman forum, located in central Thessaloniki; (16 May 2010)
Remains of the Roman baths, now incorporated into the crypt of the Basilica of St Demetrius.(5 June 2012)
4thC Arch of Galerius, still standing on the modern via Egnatia. In antiquity it was connected to the nearby Rotunda of Galerius, successively a Roman monument, a mosque and now a Greek Orthodox chapel. (5 June 2012)
Mosaic at the Church of St Athanasius, Thessalonica. (5 Jun 2012)
Just north-east of the modern via Egnatia are the remnants of the Roman Forum.
There is a good view from: 40.638073, 22.946544
A short walk from the Roman Forum, the crypt of the Basilica of St Demetrios incorporates the remains of the Roman Baths.
Pedestrian access to the church is from: 40.638740, 22.947113
Galerius was first among equals of up to six 'emperors' before Constantine established a Roman empire under his sole command in the early 4thC. A number Galerius monuments survive in Thessalonica.
Arch: 40.632145, 22.951834
Rotunda: 40.632955, 22.952285
Galerius' Palace: 40.630706, 22.949394
For students of Church history and the development of Christian understanding concerning the divine and human natures of Jesus Christ, Athanasius was the great champion of orthodoxy in the so-called Arian Controversy which led to the calling of the First Ecumenical Council of the Church at Nicea, 325AD.