map of thessalonica, berea and athens

Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need. u1e #! O:4]2uG:K u It became of large importance as adestination for culture in the 13th century B.C. Note: Those who preach unpopular truth in our day meet with determined resistance, as did the apostles. There were manycauses of the Peloponnesian War. You need 2 hour to reach athens, Greece from berea , if you are travelling by car. The Historical Atlas by William R. Shepherd, 1923. It is true that in the Greek world of previous centuries, many women, especially high-status women, had led cloistered, hidden lives. In any case, we learn that the Philippines sent him assistance on two occasions during the time which he spent there (Philippians 4:16), although he was "working night and day" to maintain himself (1 Thessalonians 2:9 2 Thessalonians 3:8). First trip What's. de Macedoine,' 272;; and other travelers. John 7:17. Thessaloniki Map - Macedonia, Greece - Mapcarta Balkans Greece Northern Greece Macedonia Thessaloniki Thessaloniki is the capital of the region of Central Macedonia, Greece, and is, at about one million inhabitants, the second largest city in the country. Howatson, M. C. "The Oxford Companion to Classical Literature." In the war between Perseus and the Romans it appears as the headquarters of the Macedonian navy (Livy xliv. Strabo, writing in the reign of Augustus, speaks of it as the most populous town in Macedonia and the metropolis of the province (vii.323, 330), and about the same time the poet Antipater, himself a native of Thessalonica, refers to the city as "mother of all Macedon" (Jacobs, Anthol. Leaving Berea in haste, Paul traveled by sea to Athens (Acts 17:14-15), again just one step ahead of the envious and angry Jews of Thessalonica. 52 I Thessalonians wri7en from Corinth Claudius expels Jews from Rome 53 II Thessalonians wri7en from Corinth Felix becomes procurator of Judea 54 Paul's 4 What victories for Christ were achieved through Paul upon his first arrival in Thessalonica, another Macedonian city? This map shows Greece during the Peloponnesian War (431 B.C.). <> If you want to go by car, the driving distance between Thessaloniki and Athens is 501.69 km. Strong's Greek G960: Beroia The inscriptions, mostly in Greek, are collected in Dimitsas, (Makedonia), 421;.M. The account of Paul and Silas in this location is recorded in Acts 17:10-15. Among them was a harbor astride the northernmost tip of the Thermaic Gulf. The mind that is earthly finds no pleasure in contemplating the word of God; but for the mind renewed by the Holy Spirit, divine beauty and celestial light shine from the sacred page. You need 2 hour to reach Berea, Greece from Athens,Greece , if you are travelling by car. Tickets cost 9 - 35 and the journey takes 4h 13m. Note: The faithful apostle steadily pressed on through opposition, conflict, and persecution, to carry out the purpose of God as revealed to him in the vision at Jerusalem: I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles (Acts 22:21). Sketches from the Life of Paul, 88, 89. His solitude in that great city where God was not worshiped was oppressive; and he longed for the sympathy and aid of his fellow-laborers. You can search any location, sightseeing or destination in the wider area of the city. In 253 the Goths had made a vain attempt to capture the city, and again in 479 Theodoric, king of the Ostrogoths, found it so strong and well prepared that he did not venture to attack it. Athens, Corinth Now after these things, Paul departed from Athens and came to Corinth (Acts 18:1). From tours to hotels and car rentals, we provide all the essential services to make your trip to Greece the most epic and smooth one. Vanderspoel, J. Graec., II, p. 98, number 14); in the 2nd century of our era Lucian mentions it as the greatest city of Macedonia (Asinus, 46). What should we learn from the way some unbelieving Jews made trouble for the believers? Study Help: The Acts of the Apostles, 228242. After the Peloponnesian War, the Greek poleis (city-states) were too weak to withstand the Macedonians under Philip and his son, Alexander the Great. Enable JavaScript to see Google Maps. and ended with the Greek Dark Age. The Black Sea is to the east of most of Greece. Iconium Lystra Damascus Antioch Cyprus Derbe Jerusalem Thessalonica Berea Athens Corinth Ephesus Troas Add any other cities. Wed 1 Mar 2023 14.18 EST. Athens to Corinth Corinth to Cenchrea Cenchrea to Ephesus Ephesus to Caesarea Caesarea to Jerusalem Jerusalem to Antioch in Syria Approximate Distance Traveled 140 100 30 30 85 200+ 200+ 70 70 10 30 35 40 50 20 250 50 8 250 650+ 65 320+ 2,703 Approximate Miles 4 Explain the caution of Paul while addressing the Athenian idolaters. It lies in 40 degrees 40 minutes North latitude, and 22 degrees 50 minutes East longitude, at the northernmost point of the Thermaic Gulf (Gulf of Salonica), a short distance to the East of the mouth of the Axius (Vardar). I want that for you. Berea was located about 70 kilometers (43 miles) southwest of Thessalonica. We are here in a Greek commercial city and a seaport, a "free city," moreover, enjoying a certain amount of autonomy and its own constitution. thes-a-lo-ni'-ka (Thessalonike, ethnic Thessalonikeus): 1. is shown in this map. Between 1600 and 1100 B.C, Mycenaean civilization contributed innovations to engineering, architecture, the military, and more. Berea was a place of momentary refuge, an accidental stop along Pauls missionary journey. However, you cant help but notice it as you study Pauls movements. Humbled by the Centuries Leaving Berea in haste, Paul traveled by sea to Athens ( Acts 17:14-15 ), again just one step ahead of the envious and angry Jews of Thessalonica. The main sources of water were the Haliacmon and Axios Rivers, which supported apple, peach and pear orchards. . Maps Paul's journeys Thessalonica Berea Athens What did Paul do on his journeys? Paul wanted to check on the state of the Thessalonians . ThoughtCo. Ernest Rhys (Editor), Kindle Edition, Amazon Digital Services LLC, March 30, 2011. The Jews in Thessalonica came to Berea and started causing trouble for Paul, so the Christians sent him to Athens, but Silas and Timothy stayed in Berea intending to join Paul as soon as possible. Sidon And the next day we landed at Sidon (Acts 27:3). Persia attacked Greece in what is known as the Persian Wars. Corinthian immigrants, led by Archias, founded Syracuse before the end of the eighth century B.C. Jkov(QajbQML(#P2CYe]l+WM "The Attica of Pausanias." Aleppo is now a city of nearly 130,000 inhabitants. . The apostle spent a number of weeks here during his Second Missionary Journey, establishing a church (Acts 17:1-9) to whom he would, a short time later, write two letters (1 & 2 Thessalonians). The former of them was, indeed, one of the apostle's most constant companions; we find him with Paul at Ephesus (Acts 19:29) and on his journey to Rome (Acts 27:2), while in two of his Epistles, written during his captivity, Paul refers to Aristarchus as still with him, his fellow-prisoner (Colossians 4:10 Philemon 1:24). After the Persian Wars, it was rebuilt to become a precinct sacred to Athena. Acts 17:15-16, 22; 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:1 . On this map of ancient Greece, Ephesus is a city on the east side of the Aegean Sea. Butler, Samuel. University of Texas Perry-Castaeda Library Map Collection/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain. Paul and Silas preached to them during Paul's second missionary journey. Simply put, this important highway connected the Adriatic Sea to the Aegean Sea, permitting overland travel. Tarsus And when the brethren learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus (Acts 9:30). Note: Paul was an Adventist; he presented the important event of the second coming of Christ with such power and reasoning that a deep impression, which never wore away, was made upon the minds of the Thessalonians. Sketches from the Life of Paul, 83. Another contrast is that while Amphipolis and Apollonia seem to have had no synagogue, this town did. How did Paul feel, waiting for Silas and Timothy in Athens? The Berean Jews showed a greater readiness to examine the new teaching than those of Thessalonica, and the work of the apostle was more fruitful there, both among Jews and among Greeks (Acts 17:10-13). Thessaloniki area map Description: This map shows cities, towns, main roads, secondary roads, resorts, spa resorts, airports, yacht supply stations, campings, beaches, points of interest, tourist attractions and sightseeings in Thessaloniki area. Thessalonica is the second-largest city in Greece, situated on the north. In the Bronze Age, Athens and Sparta rose as powerful regional cultures. Launch map view. Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki. Hadrian's Arch. Many of the Jews (and many wealthy Greek men and women) believe, but Paul's ministry is cut short when some Jews from Thessalonica arrive to stir up trouble. The map shows the boundaries of districts in Roman times. But the news of this success reached the Thessalonian Jews and inflamed their hostility afresh. He was in a position where he might easily have spoken that which would irritate his proud listeners, and bring himself into difficulty. When people hear the gospel, they can respond in different ways. Acts 17:14. Rome had conquered it in the Third Century B.C., and then a Roman army had looted the city in 85 B.C. Since its construction, Via Egnatia played a major role in the shaping of the whole region. It has a good location on the Thermaic Gulf. (Color Map) Map of New Testament Italy - This map reveals the cities within Italy during the first century A.D., the time of the New Testament. Position and Name:One of the chief towns of Macedonia from Hellenistic times down to the present day. "Historical Maps." The calculated flying distance from Thessaloniki to Athens is equal to 189 miles which is equal to 304 km.. Gill is a Latinist, writer, and teacher of ancient history and Latin. Berea Paul, Silas, and Timothy found noble souls to teach during Paul's second missionary journey. ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/maps-of-ancient-greece-4122979. These, however, belonged to an Athens of another time. The mind must be constantly restrained and guarded. As Paul looked upon the beauty and grandeur surrounding him, and saw the city crowded with idols, his spirit was stirred with jealousy for God, whom he saw dishonored on every side. The city Paul visits is clearly not the Athens of classical antiquity, but a city humbled by the centuries. Paul alludes to this role of the city when he wrote to the church there: For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything (1 Thessalonians 1:8). Note: The minds of the Bereans were not narrowed by prejudice, and they were willing to investigate and receive the truths preached by the apostles. Probably Paul was again in Thessalonica after his first imprisonment. The Xenophon of Athens was a Greek philosopher, historian, and soldier who authored many practical treatises on topics like horsemanship and taxation. Berea still exists as a small city of about 50,000 people, and is called Veroia today. Colchis, where the mythological Argonauts went to fetch the Golden Fleece and where the witch Medea was born, is along the Black Sea on its eastern side. But he carefully drew their minds away from heathen deities, by revealing to them the true God, whom they were endeavoring to worship, but Who was to them unknown, as they themselves confessed by a public inscription. Sketches from the Life of Paul, 97. Contributed by Sweet Publishing. Timothy rejoined Paul at Athens and was sent back to Thessalonica (see 3:1-5). Acts 17:10-15 Paul and Silas journey on to Berea where they preach once again in the synagogue (see Map 24). In August 480 B.C., they attacked the Greeks at the two-meter wide pass at Thermopylae that controlled the only road between Thessaly and Central Greece. This desire was to be fulfilled more than once. Persecution followed them from city to city. Sketches from the Life of Paul, 88. His dejection of mind was caused by the apparently insurmountable obstacles which presented themselves against his reaching the minds of the people of Athens. Sketches from the Life of Paul, 89, 90. The period of Mycenean Greece ran from about 1600 to 1100 B.C. The Bereans listened to Paul's teaching and carefully examined Scripture to determine if his teaching was true. This map of the Persian Empire shows the direction of Xenophon and the 10,000. Note: Christian knowledge bears its own stamp of unmeasured superiority in all that concerns the preparation for the future, immortal life. They split up the empire Alexander had conquered among themselves. Bible for kids: Paul preaches at Thessalonica, Berea and Athens Acts chapter 17: Acts of the Apostles read for children. In my last post I wrapped up the word studies for the chapter. Thessalonica is a large city of perhaps 200,000 people. Attalia, Perga And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they came down to Attalia (Acts 14:25). The town, which still bears among the Greeks its ancient name (pronounced Verria) though called by the Turks Karaferia, possesses but few remains of antiquity with the exception of numerous inscriptions (Leake, Travels in Northern Greece, III, 290 if; Cousinery, Voyage dans la Macedoine, I, 57; Dimitsas, Makedonia in Greek, 57).Marcus N. Tod(2) The place where Menelaus the ex-high priest was executed by order of Antiochus Eupator, the victim, according to local custom, being cast from a tower 50 cubits high into a bed of ashes (2 Maccabees 13:3). Thessalonica was a major port, and like Philippi, located on the east-west Egnatian highway, and thus an important centre of trade by land and by sea: Thessalonica Paul preached here during his second missionary journey. Since Timothy is not mentioned (see Ac 17:10 and note), it is . Acts 17:13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul at Beroea also, they came there likewise, agitating the multitudes. Part of Apostle Paul's path between Philippi and Berea lay across the neck of this peninsula. Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain. In addition, the Romans had granted it status as a free city, or one that could govern itself. THESSALONICA. There will be a union of opposing elements against them; for however diverse from each other different organizations may be in their sentiments and religious faith, their forces are united in trampling under foot the fourth commandment in the law of God. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/maps-of-ancient-greece-4122979. This name, usually shortened since medieval times into Salonica or Saloniki, it has retained down to the present. ?a S???? Despite the false claims against him, how did Paul describe his actual manner of preaching the gospel in Thessalonica? I like to imagine that Paul's overnight escape from Thessalonica to Berea was partially by riverboat (though the costs above assume it was by road). Describe the response of nearly all the hearers, and the result. Thessalonica. Paperback, University of California Libraries, January 1, 1907. The city is rich in examples of Byzantine ecclesiastical architecture and art, and possesses, in addition to a large number of mosques, 12 churches and 25 synagogues.LITERATURE.The fullest account of the topography of Thessalonica and its history, especially from the 5th to the 15th century, is that of Tafel, De Thessalonica eiusque agro. His purpose was not based on plans for preaching the gospel, but for getting away from an angry mob. How far is it between Berea and Athens. Paul and Silas came to Berea from Thessalonica which they had been forced by an uproar to leave, and preached in the synagogue to the Jews, many of whom believed after a candid examination of the apostolic message in the light of their Scriptures (Acts 17:10, 11). The northern section of Greece is best-known for the polis of Athens, the Peloponnese, and for Sparta. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. Note: Inspiration has given us this glance at the life of the Athenians, with all their knowledge, refinement, and art, yet sunken in vice, that it might be seen how God, through His servant, rebuked idolatry, and the sins of a proud, self-sufficient people. Thebes was destroyed, although Alexander spared the house that had been Pindar's, according toTheban Stories. thes-a-lo-ni'-ka (Thessalonike, ethnic Thessalonikeus):1. Read terms of download. Hellas was centered on the western side of the Aegean Sea, with a northern section that was part of the Balkan peninsula and a southern section known as the Peloponnese. 10) and when, after the battle of Pydna (168 B.C. From the Epistle to the Philippians (Acts 1:26; Acts 2:24), written during his captivity, we learn that his intention was to revisit Philippi if possible, and 1 Timothy 1:3 records a subsequent journey to Macedonia, in the course of which the apostle may well have made a longer or shorter stay at Thessalonica. The account of Paul and Silas in this location is recorded in Acts 17:10-15. Berea was the first city to surrender to Rome and fell in the third of the four regions into which Macedonia was divided (Livy xliv0.45; xlv.29). The most improtant archaoelogical, religious and cultural destinations along with several museums and monuments are available. The Dacians occupied Dacia, a region north of the Danube later known as Romania. Unfortunately, the non-believing Jews from Thessalonica arrived in Berea to stir up trouble, so Paul was sent off to sail to Athens by himself while Timothy and Silas stayed behind. This map shows the battle of Thermopylae. Thessalonica also served as the provincial capital, and as the home of the Roman proconsul. 5 0 obj It was as a result of the devastation by the Persians of Athens that the great building projects were started under Pericles. Thessaloniki City Map A detailed city map of Thessaloniki, Greece. Royal Sec. Marsyas after User:Sting/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 4.0. \hRMP0`^\Qj4bM. Had his oration been a direct attack upon their gods, and the great men of the city who were before him, he would have been in danger of meeting the fate of Socrates. Cicero spent the greater part of his exile there, at the house of the quaestor Plancius (Pro Plancio 41, 99; Epistle Ad Att, iii.8-21). This map shows how the Macedonian Empire expanded throughout the region. He arrived alone, while Silas and Timothy remained in Macedonia. Genuine religion gives men the victory over themselves; but a religion of mere intellect and taste is wanting in the qualities essential to raise its possessor above the evils of his nature, and to connect him with God. Thessalonica - Modern Salonika or Thessalonika. probably refers to another place of the same name, but an inscription (Inscr Graec, II, 5, 296i) proves its existence at the end of the 4th century B.C., and it is twice mentioned by Polybius (xxvii0.8; xxviii.8). Olympus (9,754 ft. high) and 5 ms. e. of the Bermian Mts. Map Directions Satellite Photo Map thessaloniki.gr Wikivoyage Wikipedia 30 Maps of Ancient Greece Show How a Country Became an Empire. Annexing Greece, the Macedonians then went on to conquer most of the world they knew. The lower area of Greece, the Peloponnese, was made up of poleis allied with Sparta, except for Achaea and Argos. This map displays the beginnings of historic Greece 700 B.C.-600 B.C. The text does not directly mention this geographic element. For that reason, an overland route was a crucial alternative. The arch itself, which was perhaps erected to commemorate the victory of Philippi, though some authorities assign it to a later date, has been removed, and the inscription is now in the British Museum (CIG, 1967; Leake, Northern Greece, III, 236; Le Bas, Voyage archeologique, number 1357; Vaux, Trans. The town is characterized for its major historical interest and natural beauty as it counts on many archaeological monuments and historical relics, idyllic coasts, and mountainous landscapes. Situated about 45 miles west of the capital Thessalonica, Berea is just north of Mount Olympus, at the base of Mount Bermius, and near the Eliakomon and Axius rivers in a fertile agricultural area. After bringing Paul to Athens, those escorting him returned to Berea, taking with them a command from Paul for Silas and Timothy to join him in Athens as soon as possible. A passage in Thucydides (i.61) relating to the year 432 B.C. I Corinthians 1:22. All these attributes have resulted in the city being called the key of the whole of Macedonia (Concise Bible Atlas, p. 229, J. Carl Laney, Hendrickson Publishers, 2003). The Athenian Empire, also known as the Delian League, is shown here at its height (about 450 B.C.). Note: The city of Athens was the metropolis of heathendom. CC BY-SA 3.0. As a crossroads, it certainly was a key in the spread of the gospel. Keywords: Revelation, seven churches of asia Source: NASA Modern Israel Keywords: Israel Source: NASA Bible Class Atlas Download May 29 - June 10, 2022. Average amount of gas with an average car when travelling from Athens,Greece to Berea, Greece will be 7 gallons gallons which costs 10 $. Ida was sacred to Rhea and held the cave in which she put her son Zeus so he could grow up in safety away from his children-eating father Kronos. Remember, Paul left the bustling commercial hub of Thessalonica at night (Acts 17:10). Map of Paul's Journeys Categories: Early Christian Church, Paul Print Version (GIF) Circle the cities Barnabas and Silas traveled to with Paul. I want that for every Christian! At Philippi he was close to the confines of Thracian barbarism, and on the spot where the last battle was fought in defense of the Republic. Pauls work was to bear the tidings of salvation to a people who had no intelligent understanding of God and His plans. In 1185, when the famous scholar Eustathius was bishop, the Normans under Tancred stormed the city, and once more a general massacre took place. Pisistratus and sons used the Acropolis as their citadel. Unlike Neapolis, Philippi, Amphipolis, Apollonia, and Thessalonica, Berea was not on the Via Egnatia. The Delian Confederacy, the allies of Athens, are spread around the borders of the Aegean Sea. Ancient Aegean civilizations include the European Bronze Age time period. This reference map of ancient Greece includes the southernpart of the empire. Paul began traveling on this highway after crossing the Aegean Sea from Troas, in Asia Minor, to reach Macedonia. A description of the town and its ancient remains is given by Leake, Travels in Northern Greece, III, 235;; Cousinery, Voyage dans la Macedoine, I, 23;; Heuzey, Mission archeol. With interactive Thessaloniki Map, view regional highways maps, road situations, transportation, lodging guide, geographical map, physical maps and more information. To the west, the Greeks established colonies in and near Italy. Appii Forum, Puteoli, Rhegium, Rome, Syracuse, Three Taverns Roman cities Paul travels through on his way to trial in Rome (Acts 28:12 - 15). From Athens to Corinth, passing through Antioch and Ephesus, here is a summary of Paul's travels, including an indication of where those locations are on today's map. Choose the file type and the file format: The Diadochi were important rival successors of Alexander the Great, his Macedonian friends and generals. (see map, p. 2280). The words of Paul become a memorial of the occasion, and give a treasure of knowledge to the church. Athens, Corinth Now after these things, Paul departed from Athens and came to Corinth (Acts 18:1). Berea sat at the base of Mount Bermius, which is part of the Vermio Mountains and provides an ample supply of water for the city and the region. Acts 17:16. % Copyright 2013 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia. It lies in 40 degrees 40 minutes North latitude, and 22 degrees 50 minutes East longitude, at the northernmost point of the Thermaic Gulf (Gulf of Salonica), a short . Flights from Thessaloniki to London via Athens, Toronto Ave. Displaying the boundaries of the Persian Empire, the path of Alexander shows his route on the mission to get Egypt and more. The Department of History, United States Military Academy/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain. Gill, N.S. Map_Macedonia_336_BC-es.svg: Marsyas (French original); Kordas (Spanish translation), derivative work: MinisterForBadTimes (talk)/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 2.5. This map shows Troy and the surrounding area. To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. You need 2 hour to reach Berea, Greece from Athens,Greece , if you are travelling by car. He had been at Philippi, and traveled thence by the Egnatian Road, passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia on the way (Acts 17:1). This title occurs nowhere in Greek literature, but its correctness is proved beyond possibility of question by its occurrence in a number of inscriptions of this period, which have come to light in Thessalonica and the neighborhood, and will be found collected in AJT (1898, 598) and in M. G. Dimitsas, (Makedonia), 422;. 1 Corinthians 3:1820; 8:1; Jeremiah 9:23, 24. Aulis was a port town in Boeotia that was used en route to Asia. So why did Paul travel 40 miles from Thessalonica to Berea? . "How do I decide what I will talk about?" "How should I organize what I want to say?" "What would the Lord have me to do?" 3. She has been featured by NPR and National Geographic for her ancient history expertise. 3 In what ways are the ideologies of Athens repeated in our time? Thessaloniki is located in Greece with (40.6436,22.9309) coordinates and Athens is located in Greece with (37.9795,23.7162) coordinates. Myra And after sailing across the sea by Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to the city of Myra in Lycia (Acts 27:5). Arabia, Damascus Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus (Galatians 1:17). Pausanias. This extremely important Roman highway connected so many of the cities Paul visited. Towards the North is Chersonese, while Thrace is to the West, and Colchis is to the East. This reference map displays Asia Minor under the Greeks and Romans. Nu xn:*'%+Oe The journey from Thessalonica to Berea would have taken two days on foot. Perhaps the Sopater of Berea who accompanied Paul to Asia on his last journey to Jerusalem was one of his converts on this visit (Acts 20:4). Among them the most famous is the inscription engraved on the arch which stood at the western end of the main street of Salonica and was called the Vardar Gate. In 58 B.C. The governor exercises authority over a wide district extending from the Euphrates to the Mediterranean. This map displays the empire from Macedonia in Europe, the Indus River, Syria, and Egypt. 2 As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from . Distance calculations In my next post Ill take a look at synagogues in the First Century. Acts 17:11 Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. An ancient sanctuary, Delphi is a town in Greece that includes the Oracle where key decisions in the ancient classical world were made. It was the most powerful of the Greek cities in Sicily. In Luke's day, Thessalonica is an important link between the rich Macedonian agricultural interior and land and sea trade routes. The church at Thessalonica, located as it was in a prominent city of Macedonia, had an ideal opportunity to share the gospel with the whole region. We help thousands of people every year to plan beautiful and trouble-free holidays. What challenge did Paul face before these highly philosophical Greeks? They must sound the note of warning to the world, teaching the transgressors of the law what sin is, and pointing them to Jesus Christ as its great and only remedy. Sketches from the Life of Paul, 86. About the only question is whether Paul traveled from Berea to Athens by ship or by road. Acts 17:1721. Megistias/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain. Malta Island near where the apostle is shipwrecked during his fourth missionary journey (Acts 28:1). But after a short time in Athens, Paul felt the need to receive a report from the newborn church in Thessalonica, so he sent Timothy back to serve and minister to the new believers there.