The Holy Spirit clearly called Paul and his team to cross over from, what is now, Turkey to Greece. Despite significant difficulties, Paul planted a church in Philippi and now set out for the next strategic city. His team travelled west on the military road, the Via Ignatia, to Thessalonica - the capital of Macedonia. It was about 100 miles, with the lesser towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia at 30 miles and 60 miles respectively on the route to provide rest and refreshment.

Paul's ministry in Macedonia was fruitful but also painful. When he preached about Jesus, some were stirred to repentance and faith; others to jealousy and anger. In Philippi and Thessalonica, people believed in Jesus and churches were planted. But in both cities jealous people, who were frightened of losing what they had (money or religious power), stirred up a riot in an attempt to force the authorities into silencing the gospel by punishing Paul and his team.

Paul had probably not intended to start his evangelistic mission in Athens without Silas and Timothy (Acts 17:15).

As Paul addressed the top religious philosophers in Athens, he started by declaring God to be the only living, unique, all-powerful Creator. That idea was a serious contrast to the many invented idols who were worshipped in their temples. "There is only one God", Paul said, "but you do not know Him, so I am going to tell you who He is" (