### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Thessaloníkē**, represented by `{{G2332}}`, refers to **Thessalonica**, a place in Asia Minor. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible, primarily documenting key events during the apostle Paul's ministry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2332}}` is the setting for significant missionary activity and conflict. Paul **came** `{{G2064}}` to **Thessalonica**, a city which had a **synagogue** `{{G4864}}` of the **Jews** `{{G2453}}` [[Acts 17:1]]. The city serves as a point of contrast with Berea, whose people were considered **more noble** `{{G2104}}` because they **received** `{{G1209}}` the **word** `{{G3056}}` and diligently **searched** `{{G350}}` the **scriptures** `{{G1124}}` to verify what they were taught [[Acts 17:11]]. The opposition to the gospel is highlighted when **Jews** `{{G2453}}` from **Thessalonica** learned that the **word** `{{G3056}}` was being **preached** `{{G2605}}` by **Paul** `{{G3972}}` in Berea and traveled there to stir up the crowds [[Acts 17:13]]. Despite these challenges, **Thessalonica** was also a place where Paul received support, as the Philippians **sent** `{{G3992}}` aid for his **necessity** `{{G5532}}` [[Philippians 4:16]]. It is also noted as the destination for Demas, who **forsook** `{{G1459}}` Paul because he **loved** `{{G25}}` the present **world** `{{G165}}` [[2 Timothy 4:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of the events in Thessalonica:
* `{{G4864}}` **synagōgḗ** (synagogue): This term denotes an "assemblage of persons" or a Jewish "synagogue" and establishes the initial setting for Paul's ministry in the city [[Acts 17:1]].
* `{{G2453}}` **Ioudaîos** (Jew): This word identifies the people who were central to the narrative in **Thessalonica**, both as the initial audience in the synagogue and later as opponents who **stirred up** `{{G4531}}` the people against Paul [[Acts 17:13]].
* `{{G2605}}` **katangéllō** (preach): This word, meaning to "proclaim" or "promulgate," describes the action that provoked a response from the city's inhabitants; the word of God was **preached** `{{G2605}}` by Paul [[Acts 17:13]].
### Theological Significance
The mentions of `{{G2332}}` carry significant weight by illustrating the varied responses to the gospel.
* **Model of Discernment:** The narrative contrasts the response in **Thessalonica** with the Bereans, who are praised for their noble character in examining the **scriptures** `{{G1124}}` daily, providing a model for receiving God's **word** `{{G3056}}` [[Acts 17:11]].
* **Persistent Opposition:** The city is portrayed as a source of organized opposition, as its **Jews** `{{G2453}}` not only resisted the gospel locally but pursued Paul to another city to **stir up** `{{G4531}}` the crowds, demonstrating the challenges faced by early missionaries [[Acts 17:13]].
* **Faithfulness and Desertion:** **Thessalonica** serves as a geographical reference point for two opposite spiritual paths. It was the place where Paul received faithful support from the Philippians [[Philippians 4:16]], yet it was also the destination chosen by Demas when he **forsook** `{{G1459}}` Paul for love of the present **world** `{{G165}}` [[2 Timothy 4:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2332}}` is more than a geographical location; it is a backdrop for foundational events in the early church. The accounts associated with **Thessalonica** chronicle Paul’s preaching in a Jewish **synagogue** `{{G4864}}`, the fierce opposition that arose, and the starkly different reactions of believers—from the generous support of the Philippians to the desertion of Demas. The city thus serves as a powerful biblical case study on the reception of, and resistance to, the gospel.
TRV