Reflections from Thessaloniki

By Dr. Brian Simmons

Today, Bonnie and I toured the second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki. This city was different from Ephesus and Philippi in that this city was built on top of the old city. Very little of the old city remains can be found today as they are buried beneath centuries of newer and newer construction.

As an example, at the acropolis (a fortification at the edge of a city) a wall was built by the Byzantines more than 1000 years after the Romans occupied Thessaloniki. And several of the fallen Roman columns from the ancient agora (the marketplace along the old wall) were on their sides and were used as foundation stones in the wall built centuries later (instead of left in ruins for tourists to walk through and observe in 2025!) Another example is that Roman baths have been excavated several stories beneath the large Basilica on the hilltop outside of town.

Paul wore to the Thessalonians of their faithful work, living deeds and enduring hope because of their faith in Jesus Christ (1:2-3). He also made note of the severe suffering their faith in Christ brought to them (1:6&9) as they chose Christ over idols. Paul noted that he had been treated badly in Philippi just before coming to Thessalonica. Paul noted that his purpose was to please God and not people (1:6). And he wrote, “We loved you so much that we shared with you not only the Gospel but our own lives too for you have become so dear to us!” (2:8). And later, “After all what gives us hope and joy and will be our reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when He returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy!” (2:19-20). Paul urged the Thessalonians to live their lives in a way that God would consider worthy. Paul left here and went to Athens. We sail there tomorrow!

Paul continued to express the difference between the way Christians and pagans choose to live. Pagans live in lustful passion because they do not know God nor His ways! (4:5). In contrast, God has called believers to live holy and pure lives (4:7).

Paul in verses 4:13-18 writes one of the most encouraging passages in all of Scripture. During the rapture those who have died in the Lord and the believers still living will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air and will forever thereafter live with the Lord! “Christ died for us so that whether dead or alive when He returns, we can live with Him forever (5:10).

II Thessalonians 1:11 ff, “So we keep on praying for you asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of His call. May He give you the power to accomplish all of the good things your faith prompts you to do! For me this is to remain faithful to God and His purposes for Bonnie, my family, friends, EBCS, HCS, IWU, ACSI, CIU, KRCS, ACS, LCA, NGOS, CSLS NGOS, CSLS, BL and the churches we have attended and served.

The end times will be tough. Serving the Lord is not easy because of the war with the enemy and friendly fire! But never grow tired of doing good!

Bottom line is this… as steward leaders we love and serve God by loving and serving others. At the end of the day what matters most is the lives of those we have touched with the good news of the Gospel. My deepest desire is to one day see ALL of those I love in heaven and spend eternity with all of them! They will be my crown and joy! What does not matter at all in light of eternity are the failings of various aspects of the organizations I have served or the fallible people in each along the way.