Day 12 – Wednesday, October 21: Delphi, Athens, Lycabetus
Today was our first full day in Greece and another beautiful day here in Greece, with sunny skies and temps around 80. A few puffy clouds showed up this afternoon in the Parnassos mountains in the area of Delphi. We read from Acts 16 about Paul in Philippi (“Pythia” is mentioned) as we left the hotel at 7:30 a.m. It was very nice to meet Sophia, our guide for the next two days!
Delphi
Once we got out of Athens, the drive to Delphi was scenic, with wide open country. 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 walked to the Museum, seeing the area of the gymnasium and Tholos of Athena far below as well walked. In the Museum, we started with the Gallio Inscription. It dates to 52 AD, precisely when Paul was in Corinth. This was written by Claudius who mentions “my friend Gallio the proconsul of Achaia.” He was also the brother of Seneca. Luke mentions him as the one who addressed Paul from the Bema in Corinth (Acts 18:14-16). We were all impressive artifacts are displayed here, including the famous bronze charioteer (dating to 476 BC).
Next, we visited the archaeological site itself. We ascended through the Agora (marketplace) and up past the Treasury of Athena to the famous Temple of Apollo. Higher up the site was the theater and an intact well-preserved stadium. 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.
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).
“We drove to the classical Greek city of Delphi today. The mountains of this area were impressive! But the archaeological site was even more so! The Temple of Apollo, The Treasury of Athena, the theater, and the stadium make it a great site! The Gallio Inscription found here helps makes the biblical connection too!”
Lunch/Ride to Athens/Mt. Lycabetus
Just outside the town of Delphi we visited a wonderful Greek restaurant for a late lunch. Many had wild boar, pork or chicken kabab, Greek salad, or Moussaka. We drove back to Athens the same way. After dinner, most in the group ventured up to the top of Mt. Lycabetus. What a stunning view of the city of Athens (5.5 million people)!
Day 13 – Thursday, October 22: Corinth, Mycenae, Cenchreae, Athens
