The church at Thessaloniki (Thessalonica) was a fruit of Paul's second missionary journey. Released from prison at Philippi, Paul and companions, Silas and Timothy, trekked south and then west to the Macedonian capital and commercial center, Thessaloniki. In spite of determined, strong-willed opposition they founded this second European church. Harassed by Jews, Paul fled to Athens and sent Timothy back to Thessaloniki to strengthen the young church against persecution.
Paul wrote '1st Thessalonians' to commend them for their dedication to Jesus Christ and to each other and to encourage them.