The Gospel Comes with Power

Thessalonica was the capital of Macedonia (north-east Greece) and had a population of over 1000. Egyptian cults and other forms of paganism were prominent, and there was also a sizeable number of Jews. Acts 17 described how Paul, Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy preached there over three Sabbaths, leading to the conversion of both Jews and Gentiles. The three men were accused of treason and had to leave the city following a disturbance. Paul sent Timothy back to visit on the young Christians at Thessalonica, and this letter followed on from Timothy's report.

Paul addresses several important topics, including something that had confused many in the church at Thessalonica, namely that Christians who had died will participate fully in Christ's second coming.

The gospel came to Thessalonica not just in word only, but in the power of God. This was evidenced, to Paul's great joy, in the conversion of those in the church, who had turned unto God from idols!