Thessalonica
Riot forms after Apostle Paul preaches the Gospel

    Thessalonica was an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Macedon until 168 B.C. when it became a city of the Roman Republic.  It grew to be an important trading hub by facilitating the exchange of goods between Europe and Asia.  The city eventually became the capital of one of the four Roman districts of Macedonia.

    The city boasted a celebrated amphitheater, where gladiatorial shows were exhibited for the amusement of the citizens, and a circus for public games.

    As part of his second missionary journey the Apostle Paul visits Thessalonica with Timothy and Silas.  He visits one of the chief Jewish synagogues in the area and for three consecutive Sabbaths explains why Jesus is the Old Testament prophesied Savior (Acts 17:2-4).  Although many believe what Paul says certain Jews, envious of the Gospel's success, form a mob and start a riot (Acts 17:4-5).  The riotous crowd go to the house of Jason (where Paul was staying) seeking Paul and Silas.  When they are not found the crowd drags Jason and some brethren to the local civil magistrate and accuses them of wrongdoing.  In a short time, however, Jason and the brethren are let go.  Paul, Silas and Timothy soon leave the city for Berea.

    It is interesting to note that the prevalence of Gentiles in the church at Thessalonica was such that in Paul's two Epistles to them (1Thessalonians, 2Thessalonians) he does not use ANY quotations from the Old Testament.