Day 8 – Saturday, October 11: 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 in the low 70s. 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. We read from Revelation 2 and sang our song (“Oh, the sun’s coming up…”) before we disembarked from the ship.
Kusadasi, Turkey
Here at Kusadasi (it means “bird island” in Turkish) is where we met our bus and local guide (Isa – he will be guiding us for the extension as well). 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 7:45 a.m. This was a massive port city back in the days of Paul. Today the water’s edge is about 4 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 20,000 people! People gathered in the theater “confused” and “not knowing why they were there” because they anticipated being treated to food and wine, as was the custom). For us, unfortunately, the theater was closed for renovations, we read the rest of Acts 19 from a distance but still in view of the theater (note: photos from within the theater were taken on a previous trip).
Upon leaving the site, we drove to the Temple of Artemis (Diana) that once stood here. All that remains is one pillar (of a total of 127 in this massive temple). Indeed Paul was challenged in sharing the kingdom message here at Ephesus.
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 required by the cruise line). 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.
“This morning we arrived in Turkey (Kusadasi) and bussed to Ephesus! Wow, what an incredible site. The boat ride past Samos and finally to the island to Patmos was special too! As proclaimed by Paul at Ephesus and as envisioned by John at Patmos, we exalt Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords!”
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 Greek 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 (either in AD 90 during Emperor Domition or as Dr. John suggests, prior to AD 70 prior to the destruction of the Temple). To get to the island, we had to use tender boats, which is fun and beautiful in itself!
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! Most in the group explored the hiking trail that ascended up towards the Grotto. The view from here is spectacular! We read portions of Revelation 4 & 5, and 22 and spent a brief time of reflection and worship (“Worthy is the Lamb”).
This visit to Patmos reminded us that Revelation is a victory book written by John who was exiled here, that honors Christ. We celebrated the promise of Christ’s redemption and victory over evil, His Second Coming, His exaltation as King of kings and Lord of lords, 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 Crete.
Day 9 –Sunday, October 12: Crete & Santorini
