Echoes of the Ancient New Testament Cities: Thessalonica

Matthew James Elliott

Ancient Ruins in Thessalonica

One of my favorite parts about being an author who writes historical fiction from a biblical foundation is learning the facts about what actually took place in history and how those details connect to the scriptural narrative. Thessalonica is one of those cities that have always stood out to me.

As one of only two cities that received multiple surviving letters from Paul, Thessalonica holds a significant place in early Christian history. Paul’s connection with the Thessalonian believers was deeply pastoral. His letters reveal a community of great importance to him, set within a city that was a crossroads of culture, politics, and faith.

Thessalonica held special status within the Roman Empire as a “free city,” one of the few places Rome allowed to govern itself. This privilege meant that Rome stationed no garrison within its walls. As long as Thessalonica remained loyal and honored the imperial power of Rome, troops in the region would never establish a permanent base inside the city.

Local magistrates, known as politarchs, handled civic affairs. This is why Acts 17 shows Jason and members of his household being taken to city officials rather than Roman authorities. Soldiers certainly passed through Thessalonica; it sat on the Via Egnatia, after all. However, they did not control the vibrant center of trade, culture, and commerce that the city became.

The Via Egnatia was the road Paul, Silas, and Timothy traveled from Philippi. As they

passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they shared the gospel in the synagogues and among the people. Though they were only in Thessalonica for three weeks before being forced out, the gospel took root quickly. That rapid growth also brought rapid opposition.

The community was receptive to the message, yet cautious because of their commitment to Rome. Many found faith, but they also felt the weight of Roman scrutiny. Historically, Paul’s arrival in Thessalonica likely occurred around the same time Claudius expelled Jews from Rome because of unrest throughout the empire.

Painting from Acts 17 from Bible Encyclopedia

This tension helps explain the retaliation from certain Jewish citizens in Thessalonica. When Paul preached the gospel, they gathered a mob and raided Jason’s home. To maintain peace, Jason had to guarantee that the new community of believers would not cause further disturbance. Without that assurance, he risked losing everything, and the lives of those with him could have been in danger.

Another Thessalonian appears in Scripture, though he is often overlooked. Aristarchus, one of the main characters in my biblical fiction series, was born in the city and became one of Paul’s closest companions. His presence during the Ephesian riot, less than five years after the events involving Jason, marks one of the most dramatic moments in that city’s history.

Aristarchus traveled with Paul multiple times and even journeyed with Paul and Luke to Rome. Paul refers to him as a fellow prisoner and coworker in his letter to the church in Colossae. The courage we see in Aristarchus reflects the character of a church built on loyalty, endurance, and faithfulness.

The book of Acts highlights the Thessalonian church’s foundation in diversity, generosity, and perseverance. Paul’s brief stay is evidence of that. Despite the turmoil of the Roman world, one thing is certain: they endured immediate suffering. Paul’s letters show a church that stood firm under pressure, placing its hope in something greater than the empire surrounding them.

Those letters also reveal Paul’s deep appreciation for their love toward those in need. Their example became a model for other churches. In October, I discovered a biblical fiction novel that beautifully echoes this message: Worn Sandals by Sean Lyon. You can read my review here.

Though fictional, the novel is rooted in the story of Acts 17–18. I believe the author says it best with this quote from his introduction:

“I wrote Worn Sandals with one foot in Acts and the other in the dust of ordinary life. The spine is real… Around those bones, I set living flesh. House churches in workshops and courtyards. Oil lamps, agape meals, the kiss of peace that can feel holy and a little awkward… That is the life of the early church as I imagine it.” — Sean Lyon

My experience reading his novel reflects this vision and aligns with what my own research suggests Thessalonica may have felt like during the early church era: a community marked by courage and faithfulness in the shadow of Rome’s influence, even within the “free cities” of the empire.

While Thessalonica’s unique place in history will stay with me for some time, next month we begin exploring Ephesus, a city that has become the focus of my own stories. We follow the path many early believers walked as they carried the gospel from one great city to the next. The legacy of the early church continues to unfold, and I look forward to taking you there.

See you in the pages, 

M.J.E.

~ Biography ~

Matthew James Elliott (M.J. Elliott) is a passionate writer who loves to encourage and inspire others. He served in various ministry roles for over 15 years, which gave him a unique perspective on people and Biblical History. Matthew holds a degree in Biblical Studies from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, with a focus on Pastoral Care, Christian Education, and Worship.

Matthew is married and has three wonderful children who bring him immense joy and inspiration. One of his favorite things to do with them is to share stories they can someday learn from. When writing a story, he aspires to minister to others with love, equip them with encouragement, and use the gift God has given him as a writer to help readers experience God in a real and meaningful way.

Find Matthew on Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook, BookBub, and His Website. He has written Devotionals, An Episodic Series, Novellas, and even Commentaries for The Gospel Daily.

~ Highlighted Release ~

The Ephesus Pages: A Journey Begins: (Part 1; Episodes 1-10) is available now for $1.29. Grab it while you can.

One Man. His Continued Journey. Working to Build the Early Church. 

Part One: A Journey Begins

John Mark carries the weight of his past on his shoulders, and there is one person he has never reconciled with. In an epic story surrounding the city of Ephesus and the ministry of Paul during his three-year ministry there, life as we know it will change. Join John Mark as he embarks on a new journey seeking reconciliation. As he leaves all that he knows behind on the shores of Cyprus, John Mark will begin a new three-part journey that will test his faith, build him up, and reveal much about his past.