Day 8 – Tuesday, October 22: Kusadasi (Ephesus) & Patmos
Following sailing through the night to Kusadasi (on the western coastline of Turkey), today was another perfect weather day, with bright sunny day, blue skies and highs around 75. It was a day of connecting to Paul’s ministry once again (at Ephesus), but also John’s ministry as he authored Revelation (from Patmos). The day started early, with a 6:45 a.m departure from the ship following breakfast.
Kusadasi
Here at Kusadasi (it means “bird island” in Turkish) is where we met our bus and local guides (Yulia and Tuba). Located on the western coastline of Turkey, this port city is a vacation and retirement locations for many Brits and Europeans. From here we drove directly to Ephesus.
Ephesus
We arrived in Ephesus at about 8 a.m. This was a massive port city back in the days of Paul. Today the water’s edge is about 4-5 miles away! Paul spent about three years here during his 3rd mission journey.
Starting from the upper part of the city and walking on the ancient 2nd century BC stone pavement (used by Paul later) towards the port, we past by a vast number of archaeological ruins. This included the odeon (small theater), statues, pillars, arches, inscriptions, public latrenes, and the Celsus Library (which dates to the early 2nd century AD). Sitting together in the agora, we read portions of Acts 19 about the dramatic event that took place in the grand theater. It held about 22,000 people! Seeing the city and knowing about the Temple of Artemis (Diana) that once stood here helped us understand the challenges Paul faced in sharing the kingdom message. We also read from Revelation 2.
On the way back to the ship we made a stop at a local rug shop/store (it’s an unavoidable part of the excursion deal). It was very interesting, however, to learn how Turkish rugs are made, whether from cotton, wool, or silk. Shortly after noon we re-boarded the ship and enjoyed lunch and some free time. It was fun being on the deck as the islands past by.
“It was another perfect weather day here as we visited Ephesus (in Turkey) and Patmos (in Greece). The site of Ephesus was remarkable, especially the theater. The journeys and ministries of Paul keep coming alive. The island of Patmos was so beautiful!”
Patmos
As we set sail out of Kusadasi for the southwest, we past by the narrowest opening, with the coastline of Turkey on our left and the island of Samos on our right (Acts 20:15). Paul stopped here on this mountainous island at the end of his 3rd mission journey en route back to Jerusalem.
Later in the afternoon we gathered on the top deck as we approached the island of Patmos. This island is another one of the picturesque Greek islands. While imprisoned on this island, the Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation from here (Dr. John believes prior to 70 AD, not in 90 AD). To get to the island, we had to use tender boats.
Upon arriving on the island, we enjoyed some free time. Some took a taxi up to the Grotto of the Apocalypse (a very traditional stop where John supposedly was imprisoned and received his vision) to the area of a Greek Orthodox monastery. It is called St. John’s and it has been active for a little over 900 years! Many others in the group explored the hiking trail that ascended up past the Grotto. The view from here is spectacular!
This visit to Patmos reminded us that Revelation is a victory book written by John who was exiled here, that honors Christ! We read from Revelation 4 and 5 as we celebrated the promise of Christ’s redemption and victory over evil, His Second Coming, and the establishment of a new heaven and earth!
Down at the water’s edge we explored the shops and cafes at our leisure on our own before we took the tender boats back to the ship for dinner. During the night hours while we sleep we sail to the island of Rhodes.
Day 9 – Wednesday: October 23: Rhodes & Lindos
