Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.  Acts 17:1-4

Here we see Paul and Silas preaching in the city of Thessalonica, you might be familiar with this Church from the books of 1 Thessalonians and 2 Thessalonians, this is where it all began. Its very cool to be able to read the fruits of Paul and Silas labor in these books from the mission trip. What did they preach to Thessalonica, simply the gospel, Christ died, Christ is Risen, and Christ will come again

The city of Thessalonica had a large Jewish population as well as Greek. Paul reasoned with them through the Messianic scriptures in the Old Testament. The Church of Thessalonica was composed of Jew and Gentile including some prominent women of the city. 

But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.  Acts 17:5-7

Of course anywhere the gospel is preached, there is going to be resistance. The Orthodox Jews created an uprising against Paul and Silas. Its interesting , even though the Jews were persecuted by Caesar, they used Caesar to persecute the Christians. Of course Paul and Silas declared Jesus Is Lord and not Caesar! As we know the persecution of this Church only makes it grow!

And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go. Acts 17:8-9

As we’ve seen throughout Paul’s ministry, just when it seems like its the end, God delivers him again. Jason and others bail Paul and Silas out of jail and rescue them. Of course this is God’s sovereignty as he has bigger plans for Paul yet and the Church!

Doesn’t matter who is president , king , or ruler of your country, Jesus is always King of Kings! Stay faithful to God, because He will never leave or forsake us, Amen!