Thessalonica
Carousel of images for this Bible Exhibit
The Baptism of Jesus
Jesus’ baptism is depicted in the 19th-century painting. John the Baptist is wearing traditional robes made of camel hair, pouring water over Jesus, who stands before him. The dove from heaven has descended on Jesus, representing the Holy Spirit's presence.
The Spirit Descending on Jesus
This painting from 1895 shows John the Baptist pouring water over Jesus, whose head is illuminated, representing his divine nature. The Holy Spirit, represented by the dove, is descending on Jesus.
The Baptism of Christ
This Renaissance painting from 1591 imagines the scene at the Jordan River where John the Baptizer is pouring water over Jesus as the dove descends from God the Father, pictured in the clouds.
The Baptism of Christ
This Baroque period painting from 1622-1623 imagines the scene of John pouring water over Jesus while the Spirit descends in the form of a dove.
The Baptism of Christ
This 19th-century painting depicts God’s light shining down on Jesus as he rises up out of the water.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan
The baptism site known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” ruins on the eastern side of the Jordan River across from Jericho. This location has been preserved as the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus.
The Baptism Site of Jesus
This is a side view of Jesus’ baptism site, known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan,” on the eastern side of the Jordan River, across from Jericho.
The Modern Jordan River
This picture is of the modern Jordan River near the traditional baptismal site. In Jesus' day, the river would have been significantly wider with a greater water flow.
A Monument Marking Jesus’ Baptism
A cross marking the area of Jesus' baptism site overlooking the Jordan River.
St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
This is one of several churches or chapels rebuilt in this area, marking Jesus’ baptism.
Listen to this Bible Exhibit
Thessalonica was a significant city in the ancient world, playing a crucial role in both Roman history and the spread of the gospel. It was founded around 315 BC by Cassander, a general under Alexander the Great, and named after his wife, Thessalonike, the daughter of Philip II of Macedon. Thessalonica became a prosperous and influential city in Macedonia, possessing a thriving port on the Thermaic Gulf. By the time of the Roman Empire, it was the province’s capital, and the Romans built their major east-west road called the Egnatian Way through it. It enjoyed the status of a free city, meaning it had local autonomy with no Roman garrison stationed within its walls.
The Bible says that Apostle Paul visited Thessalonica during his second missionary journey, as recorded in the book of Acts. After traveling through Philippi, Amphipolis, and Apollonia, he arrived in Thessalonica. He began preaching in the synagogue over three Sabbaths, reasoning from the Scriptures and proclaiming that Jesus was the Messiah Acts 17:1-4. Some Jews believed, along with many God-fearing Greeks and socially prominent women. Among these new converts were Aristarchus and Secundus, who later played important roles in Paul’s ministry Acts 20:4.
However, opposition soon arose. Jealous Jews incited a riot, dragging Jason, one of the believers, before the city officials and accusing the Christians of defying Caesar’s decrees by proclaiming another king—Jesus Acts 17:5-9. To avoid further conflict, Paul and Silas fled by night to Berea, where they continued their ministry. However, the Jewish opposition from Thessalonica followed them there, stirring up trouble once again Acts 17:10-13.
Despite Paul’s brief stay, the Thessalonian church became strong and resilient. His letters to them, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, reveal his deep love and concern for their spiritual growth. He commended their faith and endurance amid persecution 1 Thessalonians 1:8. Paul encouraged them to remain steadfast, warning them against idleness and reminding them of the hope of Christ’s return.
Thessalonica’s strategic location made it an ideal hub for spreading the gospel. Situated along a major trade route and filled with travelers and merchants, the city’s church had the opportunity to influence the entire region. Paul’s missionary strategy often focused on urban centers like Thessalonica, Corinth, and Ephesus, knowing that the gospel could reach far and wide from these locations.
Over the centuries, Thessalonica continued to be an important city for Christianity. It later became a center of Orthodox Christianity and retained its prominence throughout the Byzantine period. Today, Thessaloniki remains a vibrant city in Greece, rich in historical and biblical significance. The example of the Thessalonian church is a testimony of faithfulness amid opposition, showing how the gospel can thrive even in challenging circumstances. Paul’s words to them still encourage believers today to stand firm in their faith, eagerly awaiting the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
This Bible Exhibit is one of the several hundred found on the Bible Compass within the Bible Ventures app
