Day 5 – Thursday, October 6: Thermopylae, Delphi, Athens
Today we continued our drive towards Athens. Once again, the scenery of the Greek mountains was beautiful. The weather was similar to the past few days, with a cool start, a mix of sun and clouds and a pleasant highs around 70.
Thermopylae
After another great breakfast, we checked out of our hotel and began our drive towards Delphi. We read from Ephesians 1 as we started the day. About about two hours into our drive, we stopped by the area of Thermopylae. It was here in 480 BC where King Leonidas, along with 300 Spartan greeks (and 700 Thespian greeks) were defeated by the Persians. These Persians, incidentally, would be defeated in a sea battle at Salamis shortly after). Today, only a monument stands in honor of the courage of these brave greek warriors.
Delphi
Continuing southward, we drove towards Delphi. Before climbing the final stretch of mountains, we first enjoyed lunch at Itea, a small quaint town along the Ionian (Adriatic) Sea coastline. Following lunch, we arrived in Delphi. Following a classic Greek lunch once again, we arrived at the archaeological site. First, we walked through the museum. Many impressive artifacts are displayed here, including the famous bronze charioteer (dating to 476 BC), and the Gallio Inscription. This was written by a scribe named Claudius who mentions “my friend Gallio the proconsul of Achaia.” Luke mentions him as well as the one who listened to Paul at Corinth (Acts 18:13).
The archaeological site nearby was quite impressive. We ascended through the site, complete with the famous Temple of Apollo, a theater, and a stadium. The Pythian Games were held here in Delphi every four years in honor of Apollo. Paul used the image of “running the race” often (i.e. 1 Corinthians 9, Philippians 3, etc…).
“We traveled to Athens today. We went up and over the mountains. Beautiful scenery along the way. Delphi was a massive site. Seeing the temple, the theater, and the stadium was impressive.”
Delphi was known in this classical period of Greece as the place of oracles. The women who shared oracles were call pythia. Acts 16:16 uses the same word. Paul and Silas preached that accepting Christ as spoken in the very Word (e.g. oracle) of God and trusting in God’s Spirit is what gives purpose and direction for our lives! Paul would also say that we are there “temple of God” with God’s Spirit indwelling within us (1 Corinthians 3:16f).
Athens
Following the visit of this incredible classic Greek site, we drove to Athens. We arrived about 2.5 hours later. We checked into our hotel and enjoyed dinner together. We also had to get Covid tested for the cruise that begins tomorrow morning.
Day 6 – Friday, October 7: Start of our 3-night Mediterranean Cruise
