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Biblical References in Greece

Thessalonica -- Acts 17: 1-9 covers the arrival of Paul and Silas in Thessalonica in AD 49. A year later Paul wrote his first letter to the Thessalonians (the earliest NT document) and, shortly after, his second letter. These letters shed light on some of the joys and sorrows of Paul’s ministry, and the situation at Thessalonica.

Samothracia -- Paul originally arrived here from Troas (Acts 16: 11), and, after leaving Philippi, came to Thessalonica via Amphipolis and Apollonia (Acts 17: 1). There were no Jewish synagogues in these cities which is perhaps why Paul did not stop to preach the gospel.

Philippi -- This was the first city where Paul preached on his second journey (Acts 16: 11-40). Lydia, the first convert to Christ, originally came from Thyatira (where, later, there was a church - see Revelation 2:18-20. Paul’s and Silas’ imprisonment in Philippi are also referred to in 1 Thessalonians 2:2 and probably 2 Corinthians 11:25. Paul returned to Philippi (Acts 20:6) at the end of his journey before sailing to Troas (AD 51).

Paul wrote his “Letter to the Philippians” some years later and from prison (either in Ephesus or Rome). This letter has always been seen as the most personal and tender of all Paul’s letters, and there is no doubt that from the outset the Philippian church care deeply for Paul (see also 2 Corinthians 8: 1-5, 11:9). Paul revisited Philippi twice more - in 57 and 58 AD (see 2 Corinthians 7:6-16 and Acts (20:3-4).

Berea -- Acts 17:10-15 tells of Paul’s visit to Berea and of the founding of a church.

Athens -- Acts 16:34 tells of Paul’s visit to Athens, his discussions with Athenian intellectuals and his preaching (AD 49).  

Corinth -- Acts 18:1-17 speaks of Paul’s first visit (AD 50-51). He wrote his “First Letter to the Corinthians” (AD 55) from Ephesus, and then revisited Corinth briefly (his “painful visit” - 2 Corinthians 2:1). He then wrote his “Second Letter to the Corinthians” and subsequently visited Corinth for three months in the winter of AD 57-58. Paul clearly wrote more than two letters to the Corinthians, and it may well be that 2 Corinthians is a compilation of these letters. Paul’s relationship with the church in Corinth is extremely fascinating: it demonstrates his great love for them, his frustration, his pain and his unalloyed joy. 2 Corinthians is his most vulnerable letter, and speaks much of the suffering he experienced.