Proclamations and Conversions Discussed in Both Acts and Epistles: Thessalonica
Thessalonica was the next stop for Paul and his companions after leaving Philippi. This account in Acts succintly illustrates the basic crux of Christian conversion for the Jews: the suffering and resurrection of the Messiah.

After leaving Thessalonica, Paul moved on to Athens and wrote the Thessalonian epistles. In these epistles, we see more information about the things that the Thessalonians were taught before Paul had to leave. Presented just after their conversions, this is one of the most detailed pictures of ministry to new converts in the entire New Testament. Much of the past teaching that is mentioned in the Thessalonian epistles appears to have been taught immediately subsequent to their conversions.
 

Text Observations
AC 17:1 Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. [2] And according to Paul's custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, [3] explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ."  Paul and his companions go into the synagogue for three Sabbaths and reasoned (dielexato) from the Scriptures concerning the suffering and resurrection of the Messiah (these were the known sticking points to the Jews). After that, Paul's message was simple: Jesus is the Christ. 
AC 17:4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a great multitude of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women.  Some Jews were persuaded (peitho) about the truth of this claim, as well as many God-fearers. They joined (proskleroo) Paul and Silas. 
1 TH 1:4 knowing, brethren beloved by God, His choice of you; [5] for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.  Paul confirms God's work in choosing the Thessalonians, and states that the gospel came not just in word but also with some demonstration of the Holy Spirit's power.
1 TH 1:9 For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God,  This is a reference to people converted from idolatry, but the Gentile Thessalonian's synagogue involvement may be seen as a transitional phase in their conversion from idolatry to God.
1 TH 2:1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain, [2] but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition. [3] For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; [4] but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men but God, who examines our hearts. [5] For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed--God is witness-- [6] nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority. [7] But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. [8] Having thus a fond affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. [9] For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. [10] You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; [11] just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, [12] so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. This section of Scripture provides great insight into the manner of outreach that Paul conducted in Thessalonica.  We might observer the following elements:

1- boldness amidst opposition
2- pure motives to preach-- just a matter of obeying God
3- absence of flattery, greed and glory-seeking
4- not exerting authority, but gentle as a new mother
5- genuine affection, sharing of life as well as gospel
6- modeling of righteousness for new believers
7- fatherly direction for them to live a life worthy of  God
 
1TH 2:13 And for this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received from us the word of God's message, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe. Paul was appreciative of the fact that the message was received as the word of God and not men. 

In addition, he says that the word performs its work in those who believe. 
1 TH 3:4 For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know.  The Thessalonians were taught that as the Messiah suffered, those who follow him are likely to suffer as well. 
1TH 4:1 Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you may excel still more. Part of their instruction was to live in a matter pleasing to God. Exactly how to do this in each situation requires additional detailed instruction, but the general principle was made known from the outset. 
2 TH 1: 8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. [9] And these will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, [10] when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed--for our testimony to you was believed. One way to describe the Thessalonians is by how they are different from those who persecute them. They are said to have believed Paul's testimony to them, know God and to have obeyed the gospel of Jesus. 
2TH 2:13 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. [14] And it was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.  In contrast to the unbelievers, through the gospel God chose them for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 
2TH 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; [2] and that we may be delivered from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith.  Prayers for the conversion of others indicate that God plays some role in the process. 

Notice that Luke does not give much in the way of details concerning conversion now that this has been discussed more in depth previously in Acts. There is mention of faith in the message, though not a direct reference to repentance, baptism or confession. Repentance-- turning to God from idols; baptism-- obeying the gospel; confession-- accepting the message.

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