Metaphysical meaning of Thessalonica (mbd)
Thessalonica, thes-sa-lo-ni-cå (Gk.)--billowy; tossed by the waves. Its ancient name was Thermæ, because of the many hot springs that were there.
A city of Macedonia. Paul visited the city and formed a church there (Acts 17:1); his two Epistles to the Thessalonians were written to the Christians at that place.
Meta. Macedonia is representative of the enthusiasm and energy of Spirit that set the whole man aflame. (See MACEDONIA.) Thessalonica (its ancient name, Thermæ, meaning hot springs), a city of Macedonia from which Paul was driven by persecution by the Jews there, represents the burning or heated zeal of the soul in its desire for Truth, but at this phase of unfoldment it is without a sufficient thinking balance to give tolerance and wisdom (billowy, tossed by the waves; see BEROEA). Of the Beroeans we read: "Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the scriptures daily, whether these things were so. Many of them therefore believed; also of the Greek women of honorable estate, and of men, not a few" (Acts 17:11, 12).
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Preceding Entry: Theophilus
Following Entry: Theudas
