Thessalonica: the Roman forum

In the Bible

For three Sabbaths Paul reasoned in the synagogue, and many believed; a mob from the marketplace stormed Jason's house. Paul later wrote to the church of the Thessalonians.

Acts 17:1–4When they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ,” he declared. Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few leading women.

Acts 17:5–9The Jews, however, became jealous. So they brought in some troublemakers from the marketplace, formed a mob, and sent the city into an uproar. They raided Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas, hoping to bring them out to the people. But when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here, and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus!” On hearing this, the crowd and city officials were greatly disturbed. And they collected bond from Jason and the others, and then released them.

1 Thess 1:1Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.

Here today

The forum, built after Paul's time, with its odeon and colonnades, lies sunk in the heart of the modern city.

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