Life in the Thessalonian Church; Backgrounds No.3.

The Composition of the Thessalonian Church.

In the House churches of Thessaloniki there were:
1. Some Jews who came to faith in Messiah when Paul preached in their synogogue Acts 17: 4
2. Some God-Fearing Greeks. There are some only a few in our society whom we could call God-
Fearing Australians. The Bible says that 'the Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom'. This is reverential fear of Our LORD and His Majesty and His Laws. I believe that in every culture there are God-Fearers.
3. Many Prominent Women. They had turned to The True and Living God from Idolatry and Paganism. 
They spoke (common Koine Greek) but could not read or write.

They worked as manual labourers in the port city or they kept house, or they were slaves. All experienced serious harassment for their faith in Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah.

  • The House Churches: There would have been up to 24 members with leaders such as Jason, Aristarchus and Secundus. These were the Patrons and Elders from the small assemblies in the one city.
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A plan of the Christian building at Dura-Europos Dura-Europos: Excavating Antiquity | Yale University Art Gallery Domus ecclesiae.  3rd Century.


  • They were 'Family' Churches. In 1 Thessalonians 4:9 But concerning love of the brethren ye have no need that one write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another; (PHILODELHIA), THE TREATING OF THE OTHER MEMBERS AS IF THEY WERE YOUR FAMILY. God is our Father and all true believers are brothers and sisters. What a wonderful blessing this was in human relationships where they were all loved equally.

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