Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-10-17

Once more we follow Paul in his mis-
sionary journey with the fadeless PAIN
of light across the history OF the years.
Following his sufferings and success IN
Philippi, the unwearied ambassador 70
the Gentiles travelled westward along the
great Roman highway until Thessalon-
lea was reached. This large, rich and
influential center Of commerce was one
of the most strategic cities, as 1t is
today, for Salonica played promlnent
part in the campaigns of the World
War. Paul and his companions were
moved to open up missionary work
there by the fact that the synagogue
of the Jews there gave them point
of contact with which they expected TO
win Thessalonica for the Lord Jesus.
Following his usual practice OF at
tending the religious services of the
Jewish synagogue, Paul in ministry
of three weeks, although he without
doubt labored longer in ThesSalonica,
succeeded in starting one OF the most
remarkable churches in Europe. In
fact. that little body of believers grew
and in the "seething tumultS OF the
ages following, they revealed the power
of God In their life and labor. standing
firm and proving up to the present tne
middle ages, this church was bull
, wark of Christianity.
Paurs Missionary Message.
In his epistle to the Thessalonians,
which is recognized as the earliest
kwritten part OF the New Testament,
Paul gives us an insight into the ma
ture OF his ministry in the free city,
that elected its own rulers, who were
called "politarchs. Luke's accuracy
as a historian has been established by
% iocNrinti0nC g.
ferring to the city rulers of Thessa-
lonica as "politarchs." Paul supported
himself by working at his trade during
the week days. He utilized the oppor-
tunity presented on the Sabbath TO rea-
son with the Jews out Of the Scriptures.
In his expeditions Of the Old Testament
the apostle taught that the prophecies
had foretold the coming of suffering
Messiah, who should die and rise again
and he claimed that in Jesus these pre-
dictions had all been fulfilled. His
gospel pointed out that in this suffer-
ing and risen Christ there is pardon,
peace. comfort. joy. eternal life for sin
full men; forgiveness, cleansing and all
possible blessings that can come from
Gods unhindered and everlasting love.
Paul refutes the ISLANDERS Of his en-
emies and their charges that he uSeS
"sophistry. claiming that he used deceit
and flattery. asserting that he planned
to make money out Of his converts. =
He recalled his suffering sacrifices and
spirit during the period when he labored
without cost to them night and day to
plant the gospel in their hearts. His
gentle spirit in dealing with them was
like the devotion that nursing moth
err cherishing her children delighted to
give not only her milk but her very
life" for them.
Success Starts Strife.
Paul succeeded in winning some out
standing Jews to cast their lots with
him and champion the cause of Cliffs
tianity Many Greek proselytes &C
cepted the Lord Jesus as their Savior.
A large number of the prominent wom-
en- of the city gave up idolatry and be-
came enrolled with the followers of the
risen Christ. Through these last two
classes the missionaries were brought
into contact with other Greeks and
women whom they won for the Master
and they identified themselves with the
church.
The success of Paul's ministry among
these classes filled some of the Jews
with spirit Of envy. These conserva-
tive members of the syn agogue thought
the apostles success would be destruc-
tive Of their national traditions. teach
ings and religious practices, so they