Paul in Thessalonica: A Timeline of his Second Missionary Journey
Wondering how long the Apostle Paul spent in Thessalonica?
You’ve come to the right place! My dad’s family is from Kleisoura, a small village in the Macedonian region of Greece near the city of Thessaloniki.
I have heard my family talk about “Macedonia” and “Thessaloniki” my entire life. The first time I heard a Christian sermon, I was shocked to learn that both places are in the Bible!!!
Since then, I have spent a lot of time studying the apostle Paul and his journeys. Paul spent time in Thessalonica (present day Thessaloniki) on his Second Missionary Journey. He planted a church there and wrote two letters to them – 1 and 2 Thessalonians – that later became books of the Bible.
Even though Paul didn’t stay in Thessalonica long, the city greatly impacted him. After reading Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians, many wonder more about his time there.
In this post I will tell you all about Paul, Thessalonica, and Paul’s time in Thessalonica.
Who was Paul?
The apostle Paul is one of the major figures in Christianity. Incredibly, he wrote over half of the New Testament of the Bible! The 13 books that Paul wrote include 9 letters to different churches and 4 letters to individuals (Timothy, Titus, and Philemon).
Paul – whose original name was Saul – was a Roman citizen who was born in Tarsus, a city in the Roman province of Cilicia (modern day Turkey). (Acts 22:3)
Most people would be surprised to learn that Paul was not born in Jesus’ lifetime. In fact, he was born in 5 A.D., which is 5 years after Jesus’ death.
Raised in Jerusalem, Paul was a Pharisee – the strictest sect of Judaism – just like his ancestors before him. (Acts 23:6) (Philippians 3:5-6)
The Road to Damascus
As incredulous as it sounds, Paul used to hunt Christians! He imprisoned both men and woman and voted for them to be put to death!! (Acts 8:3) (Acts 26:10)
That begs the question….how did Paul go from persecuting Christians to becoming an “apostle” (teacher/leader) of the new faith?
The answer is, on the road to Damascus to persecute Christians. Paul had a supernatural encounter with God! (Acts 9:1-6)
As Paul was walking, a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” He replied, “Who are you, Lord?” (Which is proof that he did not know him).
After his conversion, Paul spread the gospel to both Jews and Gentiles. He went on several missionary journeys hundreds of miles across Asia and Europe, including the ancient town of Thessalonica.
The 13 Books of the Bible that Paul Wrote
The Apostle Paul wrote 13 letters that later became books of the Bible. This includes 9 letters to different churches and 4 letters to individuals (Timothy, Titus, and Philemon). The letters address theological issues, church practices, and personal guidance.
The Order They Appear in The Bible
- Romans
- I Corinthians
- II Corinthians
- Galatians
- Ephesians
- Philippians
- Colossians
- I Thessalonians
- II Thessalonians
- I Timothy
- II Timothy
- Titus
- Philemon
The Order In Which They Were Written
- Galatians
- I Thessalonians
- II Thessalonians
- I Corinthians
- II Corinthians
- Romans
- Philippians
- Philemon
- Colossians
- Ephesians
- I Timothy
- Titus
- II Timothy
Check out my blog Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls: Tomb of the Apostle Paul!
Where is Thessalonica?
Thessalonica was founded in 316 B.C. by Macedonian King Cassander. He named the city after his wife Thessalonike, the daughter of King Philip II of Macedon and brother of Alexander the Great!
Thessalonica later became the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia. The second largest and wealthiest city of the Byzantine Empire, it was conquered by the Ottomans in 1430.
Now called Thessaloniki, it is the second-largest city in Greece with over one million inhabitants.
Check out my blog Is Thessaloniki Worth Visiting In 2024? Things To Do & Reasons To Visit
➡️Explore the Best of Thessaloniki: Private Guided Tour
Paul’s Missionary Journeys
Between 48-60 A.D. Paul went on three Missionary Journeys. He preached the Gospel in 4 Roman provinces – Galatia (Central Turkey), Asia Minor (East Turkey), Macedonia (North Greece), and Achai (South Greece).
When Paul arrived in a new city, he first preached to the Jews because they already believed in the Old Testament and the coming Messiah. He then preached to the Gentiles. (Acts 13:46)
Paul only stayed in a place long enough to establish a church, appoint leaders, and counsel them in the faith. And then “with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.” (Acts 14:23)
The longest Paul ever spent in one place was his 3 years in Ephesus. His time in Thessalonica was much shorter.
After Paul left a city, he continued to pray for the new churches he had planted. He occasionally sent Silas, Timothy, or Titus to minister to them. And he wrote letters to edify the new churches. Some of Paul’s letters had so much authority they were eventually turned into books of the Bible.
Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (51-53 A.D.)
Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (51-53 A.D.) is recorded in Acts 15:40-18:22. It is so interesting – I highly recommend you read it!
It all started in 50 A.D. when the Council at Jerusalem issued several rulings. One of them decreed that all Christians – not just former Jews – should be circumcised. The council then sent Paul and Barnabas to deliver their decision to the church in Antioch, Syria.
While in Antioch, Paul decided to go on his Second Missionary Journey. He wanted to strengthen the churches he had previously planted. See the below map. First Paul went throughout Syria and Cilicia. Then he went to 2 cities in Galata – Derbe and Lystra.
A disciple named Timothy lived in Lystra. Paul wanted to take Timothy with him on his journey. However, the Jews that lived in that area all knew that Timothy’s father was a Greek. (His mother was Jewish and a believer), Therefore, Paul had Timothy circumcised.
As they traveled from town to town, Paul and his companions delivered the council’s decisions to the people. They traveled throughout Phyrgia and Galatia. However, according to Acts 16:6, “the Holy Spirit kept them from speaking the word in the province of Asia.”
Check out my blog Paul in Thessalonica: A Timeline of his Second Missionary Journey!
Paul’s Macedonian Call
Then Paul and his companions went to Troas, Asia (modern day Turkey) on the Aegean Sea.
During the night Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia (northern Greece) begging him to “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” (Acts 16:9)
Since my dad’s family is from Macedonia, this scripture has always ministered to me. When my grandparents arrived in San Francisco from Greece in 1907 they joined the Macedonian Club. Every year on Greek Orthodox Easter my family goes to a picnic at Macedonian Park in Calistoga. I was shocked the first time I learned that Macedonia was in the Bible.
The apostles set sail to Macedonia at once. So just like that the decision was made to preach the gospel in Europe not Asia. Which is why Europe is predominantly Christian and Asia is not.
The Gospel preached in Europe for First time
Paul landed at Neapolis, which is modern day Kavala, Greece. I was so thrilled on my trip to Greece when my tour bus stopped at the Kavala harbor!
Paul then traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony which was the leading city of that district of Macedonia. Philippi – which is in modern day Greece – was the first city in Europe where the gospel was preached! It was around A.D. 51.
When Paul and Silas arrived in Philippi they discovered that – unlike in other cities – there was no Jewish synagogue. However, there was a place by the riverside where some women met to pray on the Sabbath. One of them, a woman named Lydia, opened her home to them.
That area is now called Lydia, Greece. There is a small chapel over the river and a nearby church. I have been there!!! I was so astounded to be at the place where Paul preached I tagged everyone I know on Facebook. And I decided to create this travel blog so I could share my experiences with others.
Paul and Silas then ran into some trouble and were unjustly jailed. While in jail, they famously prayed and sang hymns to God. They were eventually released.
Check out my blog Paul and Silas in Jail in Philippi: Singing while in Chains!
Paul travels to Thessalonica
Paul, Silas, and Timothy then traveled to Thessalonica, the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia. The year was 50 A.D.
With a population of 100,000, Thessalonica was the most populous city in Macedonia. Due to its location, it was also the wealthiest and most important city. The city’s natural harbor was the best in the entire Aegean Sea.
In addition, Thessalonica was strategically located at the juncture of the road north to Danube and the Via Egnatia, which was the major east-west highway extending from Asia Minor all the way to Rome.
Why did Paul Travel to Thessalonica?
Paul’s reason for visiting Thessalonica was the same as any other stop along his missionary journeys. To minister to new Christians, preach the Gospel to unbelievers, and spiritually mentor the new elders.
In addition, Paul established a church in Thessalonica.
What Happened in Thessalonica?
While in Thessalonica, Paul and Silas stayed with a local believer named Jason.
Paul preached in the synagogue on three Sabbath days, reasoning from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah. He planted a church. Some of the Jews – and a large number of God-fearing Greeks – were persuaded.
However, a large number of Jews were not receptive to Paul’s message. They became jealous and accused Paul of defying Caesar by claiming that there is another king named Jesus.
The local Jews rounded up a mob and started a riot. They stormed Jason’s house but did not find Paul or his companions. They brought Jason before the city officials, saying, “These men who have caused trouble all over the world have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his house.”
As soon as it was night the brothers sent Paul and Silas away to the nearby city of Berea.
How Long was Paul in Thessalonica?
As has already been mentioned, the apostle Paul visited Thessalonica as part of his Second Missionary Journey from 51-53 A.D. However, the length of time that Paul stayed in Thessalonica is disputed.
According to Acts 17:2, Paul stayed for at least “three Sabbaths.” During that time, he taught from the Scriptures and ministered to those who were willing to hear the Gospel.
But it’s possible that he stayed longer. “Three Sabbaths” could mean 3 weeks. However, some scholars believe three months more accurately reflects the number of offerings that Paul received from the Philippian church.
So, while there’s no definitive answer, the consensus is that Paul was in Thessalonica from 3 weeks to 3 months.
Timothy’s Visit to Thessalonica
After Berea, Paul traveled south to Athens where he was distressed to see that the city was full of idols.
Paul then went to Corinth, where he infamously stayed with fellow tentmakers Aquila and Priscilla. Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching the word of God. (I have been to Corinth. The ruins are amazing!!!)
At some point, Paul heard that the young church in Thessalonica was being persecuted. He wanted to visit them several times, but “Satan blocked” his way. (1 Thessalonians 2:18)
Since he couldn’t go, Paul sent Timothy to “strengthen and encourage” the Thessalonian believers and guard against false teachers. (1 Thessalonians 3:2)
I Thessalonians
Timothy returned to Paul in Corinth in 50 A.D. He brought a good report about the Thessalonians “faith and love” despite their persecution. (I Thessalonians 3:6)
That prompted Paul to write a letter of encouragement to the Thessalonians, which later became the New Testament book of I Thessalonians. It was less than a year after the gospel had first been preached in Thessalonica.
Scholars believe that Galatians was the first letter that Paul wrote, and I Thessalonians was the second. (II Thessalonians was the third).
The first part of 1 Thessalonians celebrates their faithfulness to Christ. And the second part encourages them to continue following Jesus’ teachings, remain holy, and grow in their faith.
There are 4 main reasons why Paul wrote his first letter to the Thessalonians.
1) Paul encouraged the persecuted Thessalonians
At that time the Thessalonians worshipped the Greek Gods of mythology such as Zeus and Athena. Christians refused participate in pagan activities.
Therefore, they were blamed for earthquakes, floods, and agricultural failures. Because such disasters were viewed as punishments from gods who felt slighted.
Fortunately, the persecution was verbal harassment and social ostracism, not physical death and martyrdom.
Paul wrote to the Thessalonians to encourage them. He told them that their persecution was similar to the suffering of Christians by the Jews in Judea. (I Thessalonians 2:14) And that their faith in God was known around the world. (I Thessalonians 1:8)
Paul exhorted the Thessalonians with one of the most famous Bible scriptures. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
2) Paul defended his integrity
When Paul wrote his letter to the Thessalonians, it had been almost a year since he planted a church there. Unfortunately, some locals saw that as proof that Paul could not be trusted, and the gospel should not be believed.
As a result, Paul spent much of the first half of the letter defending himself. He explained that he wanted to visit the Thessalonians several times, but “Satan blocked” his way. (1 Thessalonians 2:18) So instead he sent Timothy. (I Thessalonians 3:1-2)
Some non-Christians accused Paul of only wanting money and praise. Therefore, Paul reminded them that he hadn’t asked for anything. (I Thessalonians 2:9) As a matter of fact, scholars believe that Paul supported himself as a tentmaker in Thessalonica, just like he did when he was in Corinth. (Acts 18:3)
Paul defended his integrity by reminding the Thessalonians of how “holy, righteous, and blameless” he had been when he was with them. (I Thessalonians 2:10) This shows how important it is to guard our testimony!
3) Paul clarified the Second Coming of Christ
When Paul first preached the gospel to the Thessalonians, they mistakenly thought that Jesus was coming soon. In fact, when their loved ones died they were concerned that they had missed out.
One of the reasons Paul wrote to the Thessalonians was to clear up the confusion. In fact, I and II Thessalonians discusses the Second Coming of Jesus more than any other books in the Bible. Almost every chapter of I Thessalonians discusses it.
Paul assured the Thessalonians that all believers – whether living or dead – would be with the Lord forever. He even went so far to claim that the dead in Christ will rise first.
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” (I Thessalonians 4:16)
“After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” (I Thessalonians 4:17)
In addition, Paul urged the Thessalonians to get ready for Jesus’ coming. “The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” (I Thessalonians 5:2)
“Let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.” (I Thessalonians 5:6)
4) Paul exhorted the church to live Holy Lives
The Greco-Roman world had a tolerant attitude toward adultery and other sexual practices. Even the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology glorified casual sex.
Timothy must have told Paul that the Thessalonians were having trouble living sin free lives in a pagan society. In response, Paul urged the Thessalonians to live a pure and holy life
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen.” (I Thessalonians 4:3-5)
“God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy and pure life.” (I Thessalonians 4:7)
2 Thessalonians
Paul wrote his second letter to the Thessalonians in 51 A.D., several months after the first. (Both later became books of the Bible).
The reason Paul wrote the Thessalonian believers again so soon is because he learned that their persecution was getting worse.
And he wanted to clarify some things. Some people misunderstood Paul’s first letter and were so sure that Jesus was coming soon they quit their jobs! Others thought that he had already come.
The main purpose of 2 Thessalonians is to show that the Second Coming had not taken place. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2) And to show what must happen before it does take place.
Paul told the Thessalonians that Jesus can’t come until the “man of lawlessness” appears. “The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs, and wonders.” (2 Thessalonians 2:9)
In addition, Paul told the Thessalonians that they need to work until Jesus comes back. He had already addressed this issue when he was in Thessalonica and in his first letter.
“When we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘If a man will not work, he will not eat’.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10)
“We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:11-12)
“Lead a quiet life, mind your own business. and work with your hands. So that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” (2 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
➡️Check out Thessaloniki: Full-Day Bus Trip to Meteora
Things to do in Thessaloniki
Today, Thessaloniki attracts people from all over the world who want to walk in Paul’s footsteps. For example, the Church of Saint Paul was built to commemorate Paul introducing Christianity to the Greeks.
And there is a spring where Paul stopped for water after fleeing the city. Known as the “Apostle Paul’s Holy Water“, you can visit it along with the nearby Vlatades monastery.
Other interesting things to do in Thessaloniki include the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, the Byzantine Heptapyrgion (Yedi Kule) Medieval Fortress, the ancient Roman Market, and the Church of the Holy Apostles.
Final Thoughts
Even though Paul didn’t spend a long time in Thessalonica, the church that he planted there had a major impact on him. Paul wanted to visit them but was unable to, so he sent Timothy instead. Then he wrote two letters to the Thessalonians that were so profound they became books of the Bible.
The story of Paul’s visit to Thessalonica (and other cities) is found in the Bible in the book of Acts. I highly suggest you read it! Even if you are not a Christian, the history is fascinating!
If you want to learn more about the Apostle Paul and visit the places he has been, check out my blogs Paul and Silas in Jail in Philippi: Singing while in Chains!, Mamertine Prison (Paul’s Jail in Rome), and Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls: Tomb of the Apostle Paul.