The First Urban Churches 7 includes essays focused on the development of early Christianity from the mid-first century through the sixth century CE in the ancient Macedonian city of Thessalonica. An international group of contributors trace the emergence of Thessalonica's house churches through a close study of the archaeological remains, inscriptions, coins, iconography, and Paul's two letters to the Thessalonians. After a detailed introduction to the city, topics discussed include the Roman emperor's divine honors, his propaganda as revealed in Thessalonian coins and inscriptions, Thessalonian family bonds, Paul's apostolic self-image, the role of music at Thessalonica and in early Christianity, and Paul's response to the Thessalonian Jewish community.