“The historical context of Paul’s epistles to the Thessalonians is found in Acts 17:1–9. This narrative recounts Paul’s work in the city of Thessalonica during his second missionary journey. While there he spoke in the synagogue, persuading some Jews and even more God-fearing gentiles that Jesus was the promised Messiah. Some of the Jews, however, became envious and dragged a few of Paul’s converts before the city authorities, claiming that the Christians were being seditious (“saying that there is another king, Jesus”). Paul and Silas were forced to leave the city, so they made their way to Berea. Paul would soon afterward travel to Athens and then Corinth. Paul wrote the first epistle to the Thessalonians after being forced to leave the city. He was concerned for these new believers because of the persecution they were suffering. His first epistle to them was probably written while he was in the city of Corinth, sometime in the latter part of AD 50 or early 51. The second epistle was written not long afterward.” –Dr. Keith A Mathison
The occasion for the Apostle Paul, Silas and Timothy arriving in Thessalonica was because of Paul’s and Silas’ arrest, imprisonment, and eventual release from a Philippian prison, following the salvation of the Philippian jailor (Acts 16:19-40). It is likely Luke, who was in their company, remained in Philippi. This is suggested due to the change in the personal pronouns Luke used (see Acts 16:11-16; 17:1).
After journeying through Amphipolis and Apollonia, the trio of missionaries came to Thessalonica. There was a synagogue of the Jews in the cosmopolitan city. Paul immediately went in, which was his normal custom. He taught and explained the Old Testament (OT) Scriptures for three weeks (Acts 17:1-2).
Paul’s specific subject matter while teaching from the OT during this time was to prove it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead. Paul then identified Jesus of Nazareth as the Christ, or the Anointed One of God (vs. 3).
There was a mixed reaction from the Jews. Many of them believed the Gospel. These new converts also included a great number of devout Greeks and some leading women of the city (vs. 4). However, the unbelieving Jews became jealous of Paul and incited “wicked men of the rabble” who formed a mob and created a riot (vs. 5).
Apparently, they believed Paul, Silas and Timothy resided at a house owned by an individual named Jason. The mob sought to drag the trio our of the house (vs. 5b). When they could not locate them, they proceeded to drag Jason and other believers in Christ before the city authorities. The mob repeatedly shouted, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, and Jason has received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus,” (vs.6-7).
“Paul proclaims Jesus as the anointed King who has inaugurated the spiritual kingdom of God (Acts 14:22; 19:8; 20:25; 28:23, 31). But his opponents distort Paul’s message alleging that the apostle advocates pollical insurrection against Rome. About this time, Claudius Caesar (A.D. 49-50) expelled the Jews from Rome (Acts 18:1-2) because of riots allegedly instigate by “Chrestus” a probable reference to disputes within the capital’s Jewish community over the identity of the Christ,” explains Dr. R.C. Sproul.
The city authorities were disturbed upon hearing these accusations against Paul and his companions (vs.8). They then require Jason post bond to ensure no more riots occur (vs.9).
“As was true with the trial of Jesus before Pontius Pilate, so it is here in Thessalonica: the Jews know how to manipulate the authorities. They do so by stirring up the crowd. Their objective is to cause confusion among the people and to convince the magistrates that the charges are weighty,” explains Dr. William Henriksen.
“The city officials are not persuaded by the turmoil. In the absence of the principal characters, Paul and Silas, the charges lose their urgency, for no further proof is available. The officials listen to the evidence but are not persuaded that Jason and his friends constitute a threat to the security of Thessalonica. They dismiss Jason and his fellow Christians, but make them post a bond to guarantee peace and order in Thessalonica. The stipulation is that Paul and Silas must leave the city. If Jason and his friends should permit Paul to stay in Thessalonica and if as a result turmoil should ensue, Jason would lose his money and face imprisonment.”
“Even though Paul and Silas left Thessalonica, the fledgling congregation endured hardship and persecution, as Paul reveals in his first epistle to the Thessalonians (2:14). The Gentile population, possibly incited by the Jews, launched hostile attacks on the Christians. At least twice, Paul wanted to come to their aid but was prevented because of the bond Jason had posted. “This ingenious device put an impassable chasm between Paul and the Thessalonians. So long as the magistrates maintained this attitude, he could not return: he was helpless, and Satan had power.” Paul could do nothing but send Timothy to preach the gospel and encourage the believers in Thessalonica (1 Thess. 2:18; 3:2–3),” concludes Dr. Hendriksen.
The historical context of the Thessalonian church’s origin provides insight into the Apostle’s Paul’s desire to minister to them by his epistles. When next we meet, we will begin examining I Thessalonians 1:1. May the Lord’ s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
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