Acts 17:1-4 records a portion of Paul the Apostle's second missionary journey where he traveled to Thessalonica, a large Roman city in ancient Macedonia. While there, Paul preached in the synagogue and laid the foundations of the Thessalonian church. Though he was forced to leave after only three weeks because of violence from envious Jews, his words had persuaded many to put their faith in Jesus.

Paul visits the church again later (Acts 20:1-3) and subsequently writes them two letters of encouragement. In both of the letters, he opens by saying he and his companions continually...