Thessalonians: Introduction — October 19, 2025

Catechesis Handouts

Thessalonica, a thriving port city and capital of Macedonia (modern Greece), was a Roman provincial capital—wealthy, diverse, and deeply pagan.. Paul had preached there for only a few weeks (Acts 17:1-9) before being driven out by persecution. Many Gentiles and some Jews had converted and were now suffering opposition. Persecution quickly forced Paul to leave. Later, Timothy brought news of their endurance, and Paul wrote this letter to encourage, instruct, and comfort them in their faith.

Christopher Gillespie

The Rev. Christopher R. Gillespie was ordained into the Holy Ministry on July 25, A+D 2010. He and his wife, Anne, enjoy raising their family of ten children in the Lord in southwest Wisconsin. He earned a Masters of Divinity in 2009 from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Christopher also is a freelance recording and media producer. His speciality is recording of classical, choral, band and instrumental music and mastering of all genres of music. Services offered include location multi-track audio recording, live concert capture and production, mastering for CD and web, video production for web.

Also he operates a coffee roasting company, Coffee by Gillespie. Great coffee motivates and inspires. Many favorite memories are often shared over a cup. That’s why we take our coffee seriously. Select the best raw coffee. Roast it artfully. Brew it for best flavor. Coffee by Gillespie, the pride and passion of Christopher Gillespie, was founded to share his own experience in delicious coffee with you.

His many hobbies include listening to music, grilling, electronics, photography, computing, studying theology, and Christian apologetics.

https://outerrimterritories.com
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"Look to the One Isaiah saw, the One lifted up for your salvation!" Wednesday of Trinity 17 2025