Day 12 – Wednesday, May 15: Delphi, Athens
We left from our hotel shortly after 7:30 a.m. following breakfast on the rooftop of our hotel. It provided an incredible view of the Acropolis of Athens. The weather was very nice, with clouds and sun as we drove NW to one of the most classic Greek sites Delphi. We read from Ephesians 1 as we left.
Delphi
We began the day be driving out of Athens. The route became much more scenic as we turned off the national highway to head towards the high Parnassos Mountain range. After a short rest stop, we arrived in Delphi to see the archaeological site and museum.
We first visited the archaeological site. We ascended through the Agora (marketplace) and theTreasury to the famous Temple of Apollo. Higher up the site was the theater. Unfortunately, the pathway up to the intact well-preserved stadium was closed. Paul captured the culture by exhorting Christ followers to “run the race well…” (1 Corinthians 9). The Pythian Games were held here in Delphi every four years in honor of Apollo. Below on the other side was where the gymnasium was located. Instead of seeing the stadium, we visited the Temple of Athena on the other side of the road instead after our visit to the museum.
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! God also accepts us as as redeemed by Christ by virtue of His sacrifice. We are encouraged to live as a “living sacrifice to God, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1-2).
Following our visit to the site, we walked through the museum. Many impressive artifacts are displayed here, including the famous bronze charioteer (dating to 476 BC), and the Gallio Inscription. It dates to 52 AD, precisely when Paul was in Corinth. This was written by a scribe named Claudius who mentions “my friend Gallio the proconsul of Achaia.” Luke mentions him as the one who addressed Paul from the Bema in Corinth (Acts 18:14-16).
“We traveled about three house northwest of Athens today to Delphi, one of the most classic Ancient Greek sites. The drive was beautiful through the mountains. The archaeology was incredible as well. Ancient Greeks came here to receive the “oracle” from the “Pythia.”
Lunch & Athens
Just outside the town of Delphi we visited a wonderful Greek restaurant for a late lunch. Many had lamb chops, Greek salad or Moussaka. We drove back to Athens the same way. A few in the group ventured up to the top of Mt. Lycabetus following dinner. What a stunning night view of the city of Athens (5.5 million people)!
Day 13 – Thursday, May 16: Corinth, Mycenae, Cenchrea, Athens
