Introduction to 2 Thessalonians

B.Warning against irresponsible behavior (3:6-15)

C.Concluding prayer (3:16)

IV.Conclusion (3:17-18)

Prehistoric settlement on the site of Thessalonica 2300

Founding of Therme at the head of the Thermaic Gulf 600

Cassander, king of Macedon, establishes Thessalonica at the site where Therme had existed, naming the new city in honor of his wife. 316

The Romans gain control of Thessalonica when Perseus, king of Macedonia, is defeated at Pydna. 168

First Jewish community in Thessalonica, emigrants from Alexandria 168-103

Construction of the Macedonian leg of the Egnatian Way, a Roman military road connecting Thessalonica with the Adriatic Sea in the west and with Neapolis in the east 147-120

Thessalonica becomes the capital of the Roman province of Macedonia and is referred to as “the Mother of Macedonia.” 146

The Roman statesman Cicero spends six months of his self-imposed exile in Thessalonica. 58

Many Roman officials flee Rome and take up residence in Thessalonica during the Roman civil war. 49-48

Augustus declares Thessalonica a free city following the battle of Philippi. 42

Jesus’s birth 5 BC

Paul born in Tarsus of Cilicia AD 5

Paul studies with Gamaliel in Jerusalem. AD 15-20

Tiberius takes away Thessalonica’s status as a free city when opposition to increased taxation is expressed. AD 15

Jesus’s trials, death, and resurrection Nisan 14-16 or April 3-5, AD 33

Pentecost AD 33

Saul’s conversion on the Damascus Road October, 34

Paul, Timothy, and Silas minister in Thessalonica, one of the earliest churches planted in Europe. 50

Paul writes 1 Thessalonians a few months after being forced to leave Thessalonica. 51

Paul soon follows up with a second letter to the Thessalonian believers. 51

Paul likely revisits the Thessalonian Christians as he visits the churches planted in Macedonia. 56