Day 5 – Wednesday, October 8: Thermopylae, Delphi, Athens
Today we drove south through more of the mountains of Greece, with a final destination in Athens. Again, the beauty of the high mountains (80% of Greece is mountainous), valleys, and plains of inland Greece was incredible to behold. The weather was enjoyable, with a partly cloudy skies, with peaks of sun. Temps were around 65. We left the hotel at 7:45 to begin the day. We read various portions of Paul’s letters, taking note of the important themes he seemed to highlight in each letter.
Thermopylae
The morning drive took us on a section of a beautiful brand new highway to the area of Thermopylae. It was here in the famous battle that took place in 480 BC where King Leonidas, along with 300 Spartan greeks (and incidentally along with 700 Thespian greeks) were defeated by the Persians. The battle field could be clearly seen. These Persians would be later 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. 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 Claudius who mentioned “my friend Gallio the proconsul of Achaia.” Luke mentions him as well as the one who listened to Paul at Corinth (Acts 18). It was discovered here in 1905.
The archaeological site nearby was quite impressive. We ascended through the site, complete with the famous Athenian Treasury, Temple of Apollo, and the theater. The Pythian Games were held at the stadium (which we could not see) here in Delphi every four years in honor of Apollo. Many also climbed to the top of the well-preserved stadium at the top of the site. The climb was challenging but worth the effort. Paul used the image of “running the race” often (i.e. 1 Corinthians 9, Philippians 3, 2 Timothy 2, etc…).
“We traveled south once again and arrived in Athens for dinner! Delphi was the highlight of the day. This classical Greek site offers it all. The excavations were incredible. The sheer size of the Temple of Apollo and the stadium was quite impressive to see!”
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 the “temple of God” with God’s Spirit indwelling within us (1 Corinthians 3:16f). We read portions of Romans 8 about how the Spirit directs and guides our lives! Incidentally, it is interesting that the famous artist Michelangelo incorporated the display of the Pythia in the ceiling painting inside the Sistine Chapel,
As we left the site, from a distance we saw the gymnasium and the Temple/Sanctuary of Athena (the Tholos, a unique rounded structure) below us amidst the ruins. This is the most photographed structure in all of Delphi.
Athens
Following the visit of this incredible classic Greek site, we drove to Athens. We arrived about 3 hours later. We checked into our hotel and enjoyed a late dinner together. Following dinner, many of us walked to Constitution Square to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of there Unknown Soldiers.
Day 6 – Thursday: October 9: Corinth, Mycenae, Cenchreae, Athens
