Echoes of the Ancient New Testament Cities: Thessalonica

Matthew James Elliott

Ancient Ruins in Thessalonica

One of my favorite parts about being an author who writes historical fiction from a biblical foundation is learning the facts about what actually took place in history and how those details connect to the scriptural narrative. Thessalonica is one of those cities that have always stood out to me.

As one of only two cities that received multiple surviving letters from Paul, Thessalonica holds a significant place in early Christian history. Paul’s connection with the Thessalonian believers was deeply pastoral. His letters reveal a community of great importance to him, set within a city that was a crossroads of culture, politics, and faith.

Thessalonica held special status within the Roman Empire as a “free city,” one of the few places Rome allowed to govern itself. This privilege meant that Rome stationed no garrison within its walls. As long as Thessalonica remained loyal and honored the imperial power of Rome, troops in the region would never establish a permanent base inside the city.

Local magistrates, known as politarchs, handled civic affairs. This is why Acts 17 shows Jason and members of his household being taken to city officials rather than Roman authorities. Soldiers certainly passed through Thessalonica; it sat on the Via Egnatia, after all. However, they did not control the vibrant center of trade, culture, and commerce that the city became.

The Via Egnatia was the road Paul, Silas, and Timothy traveled from Philippi. As they

passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they shared the gospel in the synagogues and among the people. Though they were only in Thessalonica for three weeks before being forced out, the gospel took root quickly. That rapid growth also brought rapid opposition.

The community was receptive to the message, yet cautious because of their commitment to Rome. Many found faith, but they also felt the weight of Roman scrutiny. Historically, Paul’s arrival in Thessalonica likely occurred around the same time Claudius expelled Jews from Rome because of unrest throughout the empire.

Painting from Acts 17 from Bible Encyclopedia

This tension helps explain the retaliation from certain Jewish citizens in Thessalonica. When Paul preached the gospel, they gathered a mob and raided Jason’s home. To maintain peace, Jason had to guarantee that the new community of believers would not cause further disturbance. Without that assurance, he risked losing everything, and the lives of those with him could have been in danger.

Another Thessalonian appears in Scripture, though he is often overlooked. Aristarchus, one of the main characters in my biblical fiction series, was born in the city and became one of Paul’s closest companions. His presence during the Ephesian riot, less than five years after the events involving Jason, marks one of the most dramatic moments in that city’s history.

Aristarchus traveled with Paul multiple times and even journeyed with Paul and Luke to Rome. Paul refers to him as a fellow prisoner and coworker in his letter to the church in Colossae. The courage we see in Aristarchus reflects the character of a church built on loyalty, endurance, and faithfulness.

The book of Acts highlights the Thessalonian church’s foundation in diversity, generosity, and perseverance. Paul’s brief stay is evidence of that. Despite the turmoil of the Roman world, one thing is certain: they endured immediate suffering. Paul’s letters show a church that stood firm under pressure, placing its hope in something greater than the empire surrounding them.

Those letters also reveal Paul’s deep appreciation for their love toward those in need. Their example became a model for other churches. In October, I discovered a biblical fiction novel that beautifully echoes this message: Worn Sandals by Sean Lyon. You can read my review here.

Though fictional, the novel is rooted in the story of Acts 17–18. I believe the author says it best with this quote from his introduction:

“I wrote Worn Sandals with one foot in Acts and the other in the dust of ordinary life. The spine is real… Around those bones, I set living flesh. House churches in workshops and courtyards. Oil lamps, agape meals, the kiss of peace that can feel holy and a little awkward… That is the life of the early church as I imagine it.” — Sean Lyon

My experience reading his novel reflects this vision and aligns with what my own research suggests Thessalonica may have felt like during the early church era: a community marked by courage and faithfulness in the shadow of Rome’s influence, even within the “free cities” of the empire.

While Thessalonica’s unique place in history will stay with me for some time, next month we begin exploring Ephesus, a city that has become the focus of my own stories. We follow the path many early believers walked as they carried the gospel from one great city to the next. The legacy of the early church continues to unfold, and I look forward to taking you there.

See you in the pages, 

M.J.E.

~ Biography ~

Matthew James Elliott (M.J. Elliott) is a passionate writer who loves to encourage and inspire others. He served in various ministry roles for over 15 years, which gave him a unique perspective on people and Biblical History. Matthew holds a degree in Biblical Studies from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, with a focus on Pastoral Care, Christian Education, and Worship.

Matthew is married and has three wonderful children who bring him immense joy and inspiration. One of his favorite things to do with them is to share stories they can someday learn from. When writing a story, he aspires to minister to others with love, equip them with encouragement, and use the gift God has given him as a writer to help readers experience God in a real and meaningful way.

Find Matthew on Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook, BookBub, and His Website. He has written Devotionals, An Episodic Series, Novellas, and even Commentaries for The Gospel Daily.

~ Highlighted Release ~

The Ephesus Pages: A Journey Begins: (Part 1; Episodes 1-10) is available now for $1.29. Grab it while you can.

One Man. His Continued Journey. Working to Build the Early Church. 

Part One: A Journey Begins

John Mark carries the weight of his past on his shoulders, and there is one person he has never reconciled with. In an epic story surrounding the city of Ephesus and the ministry of Paul during his three-year ministry there, life as we know it will change. Join John Mark as he embarks on a new journey seeking reconciliation. As he leaves all that he knows behind on the shores of Cyprus, John Mark will begin a new three-part journey that will test his faith, build him up, and reveal much about his past.

Wellington Train Disaster - 1910 by Nancy J. Farrier

As winter weather envelops much of the United States, I am reminded of the Wellington Train disaster, one of the worst train disasters in U.S. history. This natural disaster remains the worst in Washington history.

Wellington before the Avalanche
Technical World Magazine, 1910
Wikimedia Commons

 

In late February 1910, snowfall in the Cascade Mountains delayed two trains traveling from Spokane to Seattle. The Great Northern trains were the Spokane Local, a passenger train, and the Fast Mail train. Between the two they had five or six steam and electrical engines, 15 boxcars, passenger cars, and sleepers. 

 

They were finally cleared to pass through the Cascade tunnel to the west side of the mountains, but were delayed once again when they reached Wellington, Washington. Heavy snowfall and a few smaller avalanches blocked the tracks. The trains stopped under Windy Mountain above Tye Creek. 

 

For six days, the trains waited in whiteout conditions. The weather made it impossible for the crews to clear the tracks. The telegraph lines went down on February 26^th, cutting off communications with the outside world. Then, on February 28^th, an electrical storm moved in, the heavy rain, thunder and lightning shaking the snow-laden mountains.

 

It was after midnight on March 1^st, when the snow on the slope above the trains became an avalanche. The snow picked up momentum as it tumbled down toward the tracks, taking everything with it. The trains were picked up and tumbled down the slope to Tye Creek. 

 

Train wreckage from avalanche, By B.E. Frazier
Library of Congress, Wikemedia Commons

Charles Andrews, a Great Northern employee happened to be on his way to the bunkhouse in Wellington when he heard the rumble of the avalanche. He later described what he saw as, “White Death moving down the mountainside above the trains.” He went on to say, “[The avalanche] descended to the ledge where the side tracks lay, picked up cars and equipment as though they were so many snow-draped toys, and swallowing them up, disappeared like a white, broad monster into the ravine below.”

 

With no way to contact anyone for help, the few Great Northern employees began the laborious task of digging down to the wreckage, which was buried under forty to seventy feet of snow. During the first few hours they were able to rescue 23 survivors.

 

Debris from avalanche, By John Juleen
Technical World Magazine, 1910
Wikimedia Commons

In all, there were 96 deaths from the avalanche, 35 passengers and 58 railroad employees. Recovery took time and the bodies were taken by toboggan to trains that carried them to Everett and Seattle. 

Names of those who died in the avalanche.

 

The town of Wellington was partially destroyed by the avalanche and was renamed, Tye, to distance it from the disaster. Within three weeks, Great Northern had the tracks repaired and trains resumed their travels. In 1913, Great Northern constructed snow-sheds to protect trains from more avalanches. 

Snow sheds in 1911-1913

Snow shed today on hiking trail.

 

What caused this disaster? It was proven in court that the fault was not the railway’s but a natural disaster. However, many believed clear cutting the slopes was a contributing factor, as was the sparks from the trains and the fires they caused. 

 

You can still see wood from one of the Wellington 
buildings destroyed in the avalanche.

A new tunnel was built in 1929, making the old railroad obsolete. Today, the old grade is a hiking trail, the Iron Goat Trail. It was so named after the Great Northern Railway’s symbol of a mountain goat standing on a rock.

Beautiful forest along the trail.

 

Last fall, I visited my daughter in Washington and she took me hiking on one of the Iron Goat trails. It was a beautiful area and there were markers talking about the tragedy of 1910. It’s hard to imagine the people stuck on those trains for days, only to be killed by an avalanche. 

Nancy J Farrier is an award-winning, best-selling author who lives in Southern Arizona in the Sonoran Desert. She loves the Southwest with its interesting historical past. When Nancy isn’t writing, she loves to read, do needlecraft, play with her cats and dog, and spend time with her family. You can read more about Nancy and her books on her website: nancyjfarrier.com.

HHH January Book Day

BOOKS YOU'LL WANT TO ADD TO YOUR TBR LIST

 

 

*Please note: this is my first time posting Book Day info. In case the "click to buy" buttons don't work, I've pasted the links below the button as well. Thanks for your patience!—Kimberly Keagan

EVEN IF I PERISH 
by Terrie Todd

Based on a miraculous true story of courage in the face of impossible odds.

“If I perish, I perish.” A sermon based on Queen Esther’s famous words spurs music teacher Mary Cornish to action. She volunteers to escort a group of 15 girls from England to Canada as part of Britain’s World War II child evacuation program. All is well aboard the SS City of Benares until September 17, 1940. With a storm brewing in the North Atlantic, a German U-boat releases its torpedo and breaches the ship’s hull. Do the Nazis know ninety children are on board?

 
Amazon.com: Even if I Perish: 9781953957696: Todd, Terrie: Books

LOVE IN BLOOM
By Suzanne Norquist, Kathleen E. Kovach, Mary Davis et al.

Four Bachelors Find Their Happily Ever After With This Bouquet of Brides

“A Song for Rose” (1882, Rockledge, Colorado) by Suzanne Norquist
Can a disillusioned tenor convince an aspiring soprano that there is more to music than fame?

“Periwinkle in the Park” (1910, Colorado) by Kathleen Kovach
A female hiking guide runs into conflict with a mountain man who is determined to keep the government off his land. 

“Holly & Ivy” (1890, Washington State) by Mary Davis
A young woman accompanies her impetuous younger sister across the country to be a mail-order bride and loses her heart to a gallant stranger.

http://books2read.com/u/bOOx8K

 

LOVE UNDER CONSTRUCTION
by Linda Shenton Matchett 

 

Nadine Krause took in boarders to help her family climb out of debt. Business is good, and she’s earned enough to expand the house. When her brother’s friend agrees to take the job - the only man in town willing to work for a woman - sparks fly. But not the good kind. Or are they? Leo Albrecht takes a project working for Nadine Krause. An easy job. Then he manages to injure himself and needs her help to finish making it nearly impossible to ignore his growing attraction. Should he break his rule of not mixing work and his personal life?

Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/47Gn0q

PRODIGAL DAUGHTERS Series 
By Mary Davis

COURTING HER AMISH HEART ~ A doctor or an Amish wife? Kathleen can choose to be only one… Practicing medicine means sacrifice—no Amish man wants a doctor for a wife.

COURTING HER SECRET HEART ~ Caught between two worlds… Deborah lives a double life as an Amish woman—and a fashion model! Soon she must choose between the Englischer world of modeling and the Amish man she’s come to love.

COURTING HER PRODIGAL HEART ~ Mother-to-Be’s Amish Homecoming. Pregnant and alone, Dori is sure her Amish kin won’t welcome her back into the community—or the child she’s carrying.

https://books2read.com/marydavisbooks

 

 

RISKY BUSINESS
by Kimberly Keagan

An American heiress. A British barrister with a need for speed. The London social season that changes everything.

The last thing department store heiress Lena Dennison wants is to travel to London to meet the grandmother who snubbed her family for thirty years. But her youngest sister begs to go, and soon Lena is navigating British nobility’s social expectations—with Bron Jeffers, a handsome barrister and celebrated motorcar racer, assigned as her escort. When a string of mysterious incidents threatens Bron’s family, Lena is pulled into his world as his unlikely ally … and the one woman he can’t charm—or ignore. PRE-ORDER NOW:

https://www.amazon.com/Risky-Business-Gilded-Romance-Display-ebook/dp/B0G2KB9T39

TEXAS RECLAIMED 

by Sherry Shindelar

Cora Scott used to dream of falling in love. But the frontier has scrubbed such notions out of her. She’s had enough of waiting on men who can’t be counted on. By the end of the war, she’s lost everyone except for her little brother. Determined to hold onto the family land, she returns to her abandoned ranch, only to realize they can’t survive there on their own. When the dark-haired Yankee with haunted eyes shows up offering to help, she’s slow to respond. He’s a troubled man, and she’s had enough trouble. But her heart isn’t listening.

https://www.amazon.ca/Texas-Reclaimed-Lone-Star-Redemption-ebook/dp/B0FX5YK964

THE LAST MAN: A NOVEL OF THE 1927 SANTA CLAUS BANK ROBBERY
By Thomas Goodman

When Santa Claus enters a Texas bank just before Christmas in 1927, no one expects him to pull a gun. His fake beard hides his identity while he and three other bandits take everything. Escaping with hostages, they soon have the whole Lone Star state on their trail. Closely based on a true story, the Spur Award-winning novel, “The Last Man,” is a gritty Prohibition-era Western novel filled with flawed characters and second chances. 

https://books2read.com/thelastman

THE MAIDEN AND THE MOUNTIE

 By Denise Farnsworth

 

Gage Edmonds's assignment to the Georgia Mounted Militia puts him between gold-hungry settlers and Cherokees soon to be forced from their homes. The local miller's daughter, Anna Walker, makes him question everything. Daughter of a European mother and Cherokee father, Anna vowed never to fall for a white man. Yet when Sergeant Edwards endangers himself to keep the peace, her father seeks to secure her future in Gage’s hands.

On the eve of eviction, members of a local village hide their gold, trusting Anna with its safekeeping. When dangerous men discover the secret, can Anna trust Gage with the truth—and her heart? Pre-Order Now:

https://www.amazon.com/Maiden-Mountie-Twenty-Niners-Georgia-Gold-ebook/dp/B0FNYFLLJ3/

THE ROAD HOME: THE WILDERNESS ROAD BOOK 1 

by Izzy James

 

A Cinderella story about a pirate's daughter on the Wilderness Road to Kentucky.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CS4GPDQY/

WHEN PLANS GO AWRY 

by Denise M. Colby

She planned on independence. He vowed never to love. God had other ideas. Olivia Carmichael flees her past to become the schoolmarm in the small ranching town of Washton, determined to live quietly and never depend on anyone again. Luke Taylor chose a mail-order bride to help care for his sisters. He didn’t plan to have to guard his heart—or the beautiful new teacher who unsettles his carefully laid plans. As Olivia’s resolve is tested and Luke’s expectations unravel, the meddling town—and its infamous rooster—may help them discover that God’s plans are far better than their own. 

https://www.amazon.com/When-Plans-Awry-Best-laid-Book-ebook/dp/B0D391PZ35/

Boston Gilded Age Department Stores by Linda Hoover

Downtown Crossing is at the intersection of Washington, Winter and Summer Streets in Boston. In the Gilded Age, that’s where you’d find the Big Three department stores, Jordan Marsh, Filene’s and Gilchrist’s. Today, it’s a pedestrian shopping zone.

Jordan Marsh 1891 Public Domain

In 1861, Eben Dyer Jordan and Benjamin L. Marsh opened the first departmentalized store in Boston, MA. They called it Jordan Marsh, then later Jordan Marsh & Co. No longer did shoppers have to travel from one specialty shop to the next. Almost everything they could want was for sale in one place. The two men initially focused on dry goods, ready-made clothing, and household goods. As they grew, they added more departments until they had a dazzling array of stock that included men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, furs, carpets and rugs, furniture, silverware, jewelry, hats, shoes, books, toys, stationary and more. If it could be sold, it was offered. Jordan Jr. became known for searching the world for merchandise to fill the eight floors of the store.

Shoppers at Jordan Marsh, 1910
thedepartmentstoremuseum.org/store-eh-ma-bos-jordon-marsh

Jordan and Marsh combined an elegant atmosphere with excellent personal service. They pioneered services such as offering credit accounts and money-back guarantees. “The Customer is Always Right” policy originated there. As time went on, Jordan Marsh was one of the first to have electric lights, glass showcases and elevators in their store. They also offered fashion shows, art exhibitions, and afternoon concerts. A café and bakery were available, where you could purchase their famous blueberry muffins.

Filene's Department Store 1912 Public Domain

Edward Filene opened his first store a year later than Jordan Marsh. By 1881, he and his sons had a wide variety of merchandise, while also offering personal services. They had three barber shops, hairdressing, manicuring and shoe shine departments. All with a No Tipping policy. You could even buy theater and travel tickets. Filene's is most famous for its Bargain Basement

Gilchrist Department Store Public Domain

Gilchrist, while having a wide variety of merchandise in its multi-level store, wasn’t considered as high-end as its neighbors. It did just as well, though. While people went to Jordan Marsh for blueberry muffins, they went to Gilchrist’s for almond macaroons. Kennedy’s and Raymond’s were also in Boston. Each store had a signature dish or dessert that people would go to their restaurant for. Between 1880 and 1900, the stores began using their street-level windows to entice people to come inside. It must have been especially beautiful at Christmas.

commonswikimedia.org

People used different modes of transportation to get to downtown Boston. Besides walking, horse-drawn trams with their clanging bells brought people from inner neighborhoods and nearby towns. Electric streetcars started becoming available in the 1880s, but horses were still used until 1900. The “EL”, elevated railway, started taking passengers over congested streets in the 1870s. It was noisy, but connected more distant neighborhoods. The Tremont Street subway opened in 1897. It was the first subway in America.

The department stores served shopping and entertainment needs for people of all economic levels. They were also an employment opportunity. The heroine in my novella set in 1881 Boston, Joel & Ella, finds work at a department store based on Jordan Marsh. If you’d like to read Ella’s story, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Joel & Ella is my gift to subscribers. Link is with the blurb.

Follow this link to get the recipe: https://newengland.com/food/breads/jordan-marsh-blueberry-muffins/

JOEL & ELLA

1881 Boston. It’s been a year since Ella's fiancé left town on the eve of their wedding, and she still can’t bring herself to go to church or see her friends. To help her move past her hurt, her parents insist she get a job. In the process, she gets reacquainted with Joel, a neighbor who accompanies her on the trolley to and from the large department store where she finds work. They enjoy each other’s company, and Joel begins to think they might share a future.

 

Then, Ella’s ex-fiancé returns, asking for a second chance. He’s already broken her heart once. Can she trust him? Does she still love him? Her feelings for Joel pull her in another direction. Or maybe she should stay away from any man so she won’t get hurt again. Mama advises her to pray. Will Ella look to God for her answer or turn away from both men to avoid heartache?

https://lindahooverbooks.com

Linda, a retired librarian, lives in west central Ohio with her husband and grandson. An avid reader and writer since childhood, she began her publishing career writing columns and a middle-grade serial for the South Charleston Spectator. Her desire is to entertain, but more importantly, to encourage readers with God’s faithfulness.

References, Further Reading, & External Links for Jordan Marsh: wikipedia.org/wiki/jordan_marsh

Famous Horses in History -- Bucephalus (355-326 BC) with giveaway by Donna Schlachter

Alexander and Bucephalus, by John Steell (Wikipedia)

I grew up loving horses, and I loved reading about horses, so I thought that might be a good theme for this year—12 Famous Horses in History. Even if you aren’t horse-mad, there will be horses you’ll recognize by name or reputation, and I felt that learning more about history could be wrapped into the stories of these equines.

I don’t know about you, but whenever I hear Bucephalus, I always think of Father Brown’s trusty bicycle, as that was his name for it. In fact, the first time I heard him refer to it by that name, I had to look up the word, as I hadn’t heard of this horse before.

Bucephalus was born around 355 BC in Greece, and ultimately became the horse that Alexander the Great rode into many battles.

As the story by Plutarch goes, when Alexander of Macedonia (as he was known before he became a soldier), made a wager at the age of 12 or 13 with his father, who was a horse dealer. King Philip II was interested in the young Bucephalus, but he proved impossible to subdue. Alexander said he could do it, and if he didn’t, he’d pay the price for the horse.

Alexander taming Bucephalus by B.R. Haydon (Wikipedia)

 

 

After studying the horse, he realized the beast was shy of its own shadow, so he turned the stallion toward the sun so it couldn’t see what scared it. Others who’d tried to tame the animal had shouted and used harsh language, but Alexander spoke soothingly, and the horse responded. After ditching his fluttering cape—another trigger for the beast—Bucephalus responded to him.

In the legend that comprises much of the history of Alexander, King Philip II was so impressed that he told Alexander that Macedonia was too small for a man such as he, and for him to seek out a kingdom equal to and worthy of his gifts.

A second legend, the Alexander Romance, claims that Bucephalus was given to Philip and resided on his estate. Bucephalus was said to possess heroic attributes that exceeded those of Pegasus, and another romance by the Delphic Oracle tells Philip that the man who rides Bucephalus will be king of the world.

Alexander the Great mosaic (Wikipedia)

 

 

Whatever the truth about his origins and his abilities, Bucephalus was so named because of a mark on his haunch in the shape of an ox head. Overlay large and with a massive head, he bore a black coat and a white star on his brow. He had one blue eye, which was an anomaly, and he was “of the best Thessalian (Greek) strain” of horses.

Alexander’s hero was Achilles, and indeed, he claimed to be an ancestor of his. In so doing, he included his skill and ability with horses as a result of his godly origins. Achilles claimed that his horses were immortal because Poseidon gave them to his father Peleus, who in turn passed them along to him.

However, that immortality did not continue with Bucephalus, and he died in June 326 BC following the Battle of Hydaspes, from mortal injuries sustained in the fight. Alexander and his army defeated King Porus, but he lost his favorite mount.

Seleucos I Bucephalos coin (Wikipedia)

 

In memoriam, he founded a city, Bucephala, on the west bank of the Hydaspes River, in modern-day Pakistan. Today the town is called Jalalpur Sharif, and Bucephalus is said to be buried there.

The reputation of the horse grew alongside that of his master, with different legends claiming they were born at the same time, and later stories claimed they died at the same hour, but mostly these tales are viewed as fictional.

Alexander and Bucephalus by Domenico Maria Canuti (Wikipedia)

 

 

No matter the details, there is no doubt Alexander treasured Bucephalus, and most likely, his lineage is present in our modern-day horses.

Leave a comment about your like or dislike of horses, and I will draw randomly for a free ebook of “Hollenberg Hearts”, a Pony Express story. Cleverly disguise your email address so the bots don’t get you, for example: donna AT livebytheword DOT com

About Hollenberg Hearts:
A mail order bride. A crippled stationmaster. No way out for either of them—except with each other. Can they surrender their hearts and find true love?

https://www.amazon.com/Hollenberg-Hearts-Pony-Express-Book-ebook/dp/B098VZ38XY and the rest of the Series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098WRMTM3

About Donna:
A hybrid author, Donna writes squeaky clean historical and contemporary suspense. She has been published more than 60 times in books; is a member of several writers' groups; facilitates a critique group; teaches writing classes; and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both, and is an avid oil painter. She is taking all the information she’s learned along the way about the writing and publishing process, and is coaching committed writers eager to tell their story.

www.DonnaSchlachter.com

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Resources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bucephalus