Group Photos

360 Photos

Day 3 – Wednesday, June 10: Istanbul: St. Sophia Church, Topkapi Palace, Archaeological Museum, Blue Mosque, Spice Market

Today was our first full day of the trip. We spent the entire day here in Istanbul. The weather was perfect, with bright sunny skies and highs in the 70s. We did a lot of walking too! It was a great first day of getting to know a little of “Turkish culture” too!

Hagia Sofia Church / Mosque

After a wonderful buffet breakfast we departed the hotel at 8 a.m. and drove to the Hagia Sophia Church / Mosque. First built in 360 AD, it was the largest Eastern Roman Church in İstanbul (it was named Megale Ekklesia” (Big Church). The church burned down in 404 AD. The second construction took place in 415 AD, but fell in 532 AD. The third construction was finished in 537 by the order of Justinian.  Columns from the Temple of Artemis in Ephessus were used in the naves, as well as 8 columns brought in from Egypt to support the domes. A total of 104 columns were used.

However, an earthquake brought down the dome and part of the structure on more than one occasions over the following centuries. In the Ottoman Period, the church was converted into a mosque. Because of the present re-construction of the primary dome (scaffolding and support everywhere!), we could see the inside from the upper floor. It was still fascinating to see, especially the Christian reliefs.

Topkapi Palace

As we left, we didn’t have far to walk to the Topkapi Palace. It was built in 1465. The palace was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. It was turned into a  museum at the request of Turkey’s first president, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1924. It was built on the acropolis, the site of the first settlement in Istanbul. Once inside the grounds of the palace, we visited the Harem. It was interesting to see how the Sultans lived during this time. The palace has a very good view of what is called the “Golden Horn” – the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara. The palace is surrounded by about three miles of walls. While we were there, a band of singers and instrumentalists offered a brief performance, reenacting the Ottomans.

Archaeological Museum

Next, we walked to the Archaeological Museum. We were disappointed that the building displaying the Siloam Inscription, the Gezer Calendar, and one of the two “Temple Warning” inscriptions were closed. The display of the Ishtar Gate was also off limits, along with the tablets tablets of the Treaty of Kadesh known to be between Ramses II and the Hittites. However, we were able other the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great. We were also impressed by the Greek and Roman wing (displaying many fine statues) and the Troy exhibition.

The Blue Mosque

Following lunch at a classic local Turkish restaurant, we visited the Blue Mosque. We had to take off our shoes and again dress “modestly” to enter. Also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, this impressive building is one of the most majestic Ottoman mosques in all of Turkey. The Blue Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 by the architect Mehmet Ağa, under the instruction of Sultan Ahmed I. Unlike the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque is supported by four massive pillars, and its central dome is flanked by four semi-domes. It is called the Blue Mosque because of over 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles that decorate the interior, featuring intricate designs of tulips, roses, carnations, and lilies, all beautifully lit by 260 windows.

Spice Market

We ended the day exploring (on our own) the famous Spice Market. Some of us bough saffron and other spices, and Turkish coffee and tea. The first market here was built in 1664. It was a cultural experience walking down the hallways of shops (of which there are over 200!).

We returned to the hotel at 5:15. We enjoyed another sit-down dinner at 6:30 before retiring for the evening. We wake up early tomorrow for our flight to Cappadocia.

Day 4 – Thursday, June 11: Morning Flight to Kayseri, Cappadocia

We got up early today for the flight to the region of Cappadocia. We left the hotel at 5:30 and drove to the Istanbul Airport. Box breakfasts and coffee were provided. The weather was again perfect, with full sun and highs in there low 80s. We read from Acts 2:9 and 1 Peter 1:1 (the only references to Cappadocia in the Bible) as we departed for Kayseri. The procedures at the airport went well, with no delays. A snow-capped 13,000-foot mountain (the “Holy Mountain”) could be seen as we arrived at the Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) at about 9:45.  It is located today in the heart of the central Anatolia. This is the area of historic Cappadocia.

Ozkonak Underground City

We met “Ju Ju” (our Turkish driver who drove the bus from Istanbul on Tuesday) and loaded the bus. We drove to Oskonak, one of about 300 underground cites. While some date back to the Neolithic Period (3,000 BC), this city dates to the 1st millennium BC. In the days of the first century, residents lived in this underground cities to protect themselves from Roman persecution and marauding bandit. This particular city reached a depth of about five stories below the surface.

Pottery Art Shop and Store

From here, we all enjoyed stopping at Chez Galip Art Gallery. This is a shop where local Turks are trained to spin pottery. The “master artist” here is well known throughout all of Turkey. We were impressed how a wine libation vessel was made, replicating the ancient Hittite design from the Middle Bronze Period. Some of us enjoyed purchasing some of the finished art pieces. Making this from the local red clay is truly an art! Close by we stopped for lunch at a buffet resturant.

Goreme Open Air Museum

Following lunch, we ended the day at the Open Air Museum at Goreme. The unique folding volcanic rock formations and “fairy chimneys” here is one reason people are attracted to Cappadocia. Many early Christian communities lived and worshipped deep in the rocks and crags, leaving their frescoes and paintings to be marveled at centuries later. Other communities lived underground. The Christians living here flourished in the 5th and 6th centuries AD. Church leaders like St. Basil, St. Theodore, and St. George were honored here among the Christian community. We all explored many of these “rock churches.” There over 1,000 of these spread through this area.

Our drive from here took us to view panoramic views of the region. During our second stop, we enjoyed a brief devotional, reading from Colossians 1. Could it be that the Jews who returned here following Pentecost in Jerusalem (Acts 2) were used by God to develop the early church here!

Nevsehir

In the city of Nevsehir we checked into our hotel (the new Crowne Plaza). Dinner was very nice. Many of us went to bed early in anticipation of the sunrise hot-air balloon ride early tomorrow morning.

Day 5 – Friday, June 12: Cappadocia, Gumusler Monastery, Tarsus, Adana

Today was another great day here in the heartland of Turkey. The weather was once again perfect, with full sun and highs in the 80s. “For 20 of us, starting the day early with a hot-air balloon ride was spectacular! There must have been between 75-100 balloons up in the air (there is a total of 165 used in Cappadocia). Ending the day in Paul’s home town of Tarsus was really special too!”

Hot Air Balloon Ride

For 20 of us, the morning started early with a hot-air balloon ride. For others it was a relaxing morning with a later breakfast and departure. The “ballooners” left the hotel at 3:45 a.m. Once we arrived at the launching area, we climbed a board our basket. The sunrise over the unique rock formations was spectacular! We climbed to 1000 meters (about 3,000 feet). The visibility was stunning in all directions. We returned to the hotel for breakfast. After loading the bus, we departed at 9 a.m. as we headed to Tarsus. We read a few verses from Acts 23, 26, and Philippians 3 about Paul’s upbringing and background as we started on our way.

Gumusler Monastery

On the way to Tarsus (about an hour’s drive), we enjoyed a fascinating stop at the Gumusler Monastery. There was another underground city here in the preserved Byzantine site. The monastery itself was carved out of a large rock and is one of the best preserved and largest of its kind in the Cappadocia region. There are quite a few monasteries hewn out of the rock in Cappadocia and some scholars split these into two types: those with dining halls and those with open courtyards. The Gümüşler Monastery is part of the second group. The monastery was carved from the main rock between the 8th and 12th centuries. It consists of a middle courtyard and outbuildings such as the church, underground spaces, etc. connected to this courtyard. According to the iconographic and stylistic features of the paintings in the church, it is possible to date them to the 11th and 12th centuries. We all had fun exploring the narrow tunnels and chambers.

Tarsus

Next, we embarked on a longer drive to Tarsus, the birthplace of Paul (Acts 9:11, 9:30, 11:25, 21:39, 22:3). On the way we heard more teaching about Paul and the background of his life. Before seeing some of the limited ruins of Tarsus, we enjoyed a simple but wonderful lunch at a nearby traditional Turkish restaurant for locals. It’s been fun to experience a variety of Turkish foods! The population of the city of Tarsus today is about 250,000.

Across the street and behind an enclosed fence, we saw a portion of the Roman pavement that would have been here during Paul’s day. Paul walked on this road! The road was actually discovered by accident in 1993, during construction works. The construction work was stopped immediately and the site was fully excavated. Scientists believe that the road was built in the 1st century CE. The road/pavement was as wide as about 20 feet and made of basalt stone. There were sewage pipes under the road. Because Tarsus served as the capital of the region of Cilicia, it is suggested that the population of the city in the 1st century was around 50,000. It grew to about 150,000 in the 2nd century.

We also saw the traditional water well of the city. Although we cannot be sure this dates back to Paul’s day, the well played an important role in helping the city of Tarsus thrive during the later Roman period! Here we considered Paul’s beginnings here in his home town and how God called him to be an ambassador for the kingdom! We read from Ephesians 1 and sang “Amazing Grace.” On the way out of the city, we made a brief stop to see the Gate of Cleopatra. She sailed into the city for the purpose of meeting (and seducing) Marc Anthony.

Adana

We ended our day in Adana. We checked into our beautiful hotel (the 16-story Hilton) at 4:15 and enjoyed dinner (at 6:30) and overnight stay. This will be the first of two nights here. It’s a lovely place! Tomorrow we travel further south to Antioch Seleucia, the location of the first church in this region and from where Paul (and Barnabas) began their first missionary journey.

Day 6 – Saturday, June 13: Seleucia Pieria, Titus Tunnel, Antioch-St. Peter’s Church, Adana

Today we continued our drive south, passing by higher mountain passes and scenic views. Our destination would be Antioch and its port, Selucia. Today took us to where Paul began his 1st missionary journey. The weather was included mixed clouds and even a light shower as we drove in the morning (odd for this time of year), but partly sunny and highs in the low 80s in the afternoon. We summarized Paul and his ministry as we left the hotel after breakfast at 8 a.m (Paul, the Jewish Talmid / Disciple, the Persecutor, the Preacher, the Representative, the Ambassador, the Discipler, the Prisoner, the Shipwrecked, the Prisoner, the Encourager, once again the Prisoner, and finally the Martyr).

Selucia/Harbor

Our drive took us past more mountains as headed east first and then as we “turned the bend” and headed due south along the coastline due. We arrived in Samandagi, the modern Turkish location for the port/harbor of Selucia. Located along the Mediterranean Sea, this harbor was founded by one of the generals of Alexander the Great in 301 BCE. It also was the seaport through which Paul and Barnabas left with John and Mark for their first missionary journey sometime in the mid 40s AD (some suggest the 1st journey of Paul began as early as in AD 45 while others suggest a few years later, i.e. 46 or 47). Paul would have been in his early 40s by now. Some sections of the port can still be seen today. We read the narratives about the port and the events that took place on the island of Cyprus (Acts 13). Mentioned in that text is someone named Sergius Paulus. Three specific inscriptions were found with his name on them! He became a believer of Christ as responded to Paul’s kingdom message. Apparently he was from Antioch Pisidia, perhaps promoting Paul to visit this site after Cyprus, even though it was “out of the way.”

Titus Tunnel

From the port we climbed the hill above the coastline to see what is called the “Titus Tunnel.” (who reigned 69–79 AD) This massive tunnel was manually hewed out of bedrock in order to divert the floodwaters from running down the mountain and threatening the harbor. The construction began under Vespasian (who reigned from AD 69-79) and continued under his son Titus (AD 79–81) and his successors. On our walk back to the bus, it was fun to enjoy some of the locals and their stands of fruit, spices, and lemon ice.

Antioch / St. Peter’s Church

To end the day, we drove back up the mountain range to Hatay, the Turkish name for the city of Antioch. The city was built from around 300 BC. In 63 BC, the Romans took the city from the Greeks, and it became the third largest city in the Roman Empire (after Rome and Alexandria). It had a population of nearly 500,000 people! During the time of the New Testament, Antioch was a center of commerce and an important political power in the Roman Empire. In the 1st century, the earliest church outside Jerusalem was established in Antioch. Paul both returned to and set out from Antioch a number other times during the course of his mission activity. It was a sending church! Embedded and carved out from the rocky cliff area high above the city is the “traditional” St. Peter’s Church (Peter was here, see Galatians 2). We visited this church before starting our long drive back to Adana.

Back at our hotel we enjoyed dinner at 7 pm. Followed by another overnight. Tomorrow we begin out drive west to see sites visited by Paul on his 1st mission journey.

Day 7 – Sunday, June 14: Adana, Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, Konya

Today we began our drive westward! Eventually we will be heading to the western coastline of Turkey over the next five days (about 1,200 miles or so). The weather was very pleasant again, with mostly sunny skies and highs once again around 80. We went to sites visited by Paul on his first missionary journey, two of the sites that are “off the beaten track” today for sure! We loaded the bus after breakfast and left at 7:30. We read from portions of Galatians (probably Paul’s first letter) as we began the day. Galatians 4:4 says, “For just at the right time God sent His Son…!”  Amen!

The archaeology at the sites we saw today (although we really only saw one site with some ruins) is not overly impressive as other sites on this trip. Interestingly, two of the sites (Derby and Lystra) looks like a small Old Testament “tel” (ancient mound) in Israel actually! However, we pause to appreciate how Paul was willing to suffer trials and persecution for the purpose of the kingdom and making disciples of the new converts here in this region. Paul would re-visit these cities on his 2nd Journey.

Derbe

Our drive took us northwest back through the eastern Tarsus mountains and through the Cilician Gates, a narrow pass through the mountains. The drive was beautiful! The Battle of the Cilician Gates (in 39 BC) took place here and served as a decisive victory for the Roman general Publius Ventidius over the Parthian Army. Eventually later this morning we arrived at the site of ancient Derbe. To get there we took a few dirt roads. Our driver was a good sport, although we could tell he was a bit nervous taking the bus “off-road.” When we arrived at Derbe, we all walked to the top to see the limited ruins (most likely from the Roman/Late Roman period.) It was quite the adventure getting there and seeing this site! Derbe is mentioned in Acts 14.

Lystra

Continuing west (on on better roads), we came to the site of Lystra. Up to last year, the site was not touched archaeologically. However, excavations started here in 2025. Remains of a Byzantine church was uncovered. We first read from Acts 14 how Paul was stoned outside the city gate. We also read from Acts 16 about young Timothy being chosen as a traveling companion. Because of the new excavations, the site was fenced in, with warning signs (with surveillance cameras too!) Not to enter. So we walked around about two-thirds of the site.

Iconium/Konya

Our last site of the day was Iconium. The site is now well within the heart of the city of Konya, a major city of 2. 7 million in central Turkey, on the southwestern edge of the Central Anatolian Plateau. The archaeological site was off-limits as well, but at least we could see the city gate. The foundation of the gate dates to the time of Paul. We read from Acts 13 about how first shared with his fellow Jews. Some of them received Paul’s message of the Gospel (along with some gentiles), while others did not. Those who did not would be the ones who caused the problems for Paul at Lystra.

About 10 minutes away was our hotel. We checked in and enjoyed a wonderful dinner together before retiring for the evening.

Day 8 – Monday, June 15: Antioch Pisidia, Perga, Attalia/Antalya

Today we continued exploring sites related to Paul’s first missionary journey. We would trave northwest first (to Antioch Pisidia) before heading to the southern coastline of Turkey (to Perga and Attalia). The weather was perfect, with full sun, crystal-clear skies, blue skies, and temps in the high 70s. We read from 2 Timothy 3:10-16 as we left the hotel at 8 a.m.

Antioch Pisidia

We drove about 90 miles northwest to we Antioch Pisidia. The drive was incredibly beautiful, with green fields, high mountains, and good roads. The site of Antioch Pisadia was established in the 3rd century as a Greek/Hellenistic site before the Romans took it over. Paul perhaps visited this site because of Sergius Paulus who became a believer at Paphos, Cyprus. He was the Proconsul who was a nobleman from Antioch Pisidia. When Paul arrived from Perga, he preached in the Jewish synagogue. Many believed, both Jew and Gentile alike. We read Paul’s first recorded sermon from Act 13 inside the 5-6th century church (perhaps at lower levels was the 1st century synagogue?). To see the site, we took a long loop. We saw (from a distance) the aquaduct, the Temple of Augustus, the Propylon, colonnaded streets, and the theater.  Although only 10% of Pisidian Antioch has been excavated, the ruins from the Roman period are noteworthy. We literally walked in the footsteps of Paul here!  Note: Because the museum is closed on Mondays,  we unfortunately could not seethe famous Sergius Paulus inscription found here in 1912.

Perga/Perge

Next, we drove about three hours south to Perga. We stopped for a quick lunch at a beautiful  place along the small lake where they served the traditional Turkish cheese and potato pancakes. Perga is a port Paul used to sail into the region of Pamphilia (the southern Turkish coastline) from Cyprus (Acts 13:13-14). Then at the end of the first journey he re-visited the city before sailing out of near by Attalia (Acts 14:25-26… he “preached the Word” here again). Paul would sail back to Antioch Selucia from Attalia. Prominent features of the site of Perga include a well-preserved theater (closed), the best-preserved Roman Stadium in Western Turkey, exquisite Roman Baths, towering Hellenistic defenses, and long rows of beautiful colonnaded streets. It was a great city to visit!

Attalia/Antalya

We finished our day by driving to the near by port of Attalia (modern day Antalya). Our hotel is located here. Before dinner at 7 p.m. we walked to a viewpoint of the harbor of the city (Pauled sailed out of this port). At 8 p.m., we had the privilege of listening to Dr. Mark Wilson (the author of Biblical Turkey). He lives here in Antalya.

Day 9 – Tuesday, June 16: Antalya, Colossae, Laodicea, Hierapolis, Pamukkale

Today was thew warmest day yet, with temps in the low 90s and full sun. During the course of the day we visited the first of the seven churches of Revelation. We read portions of Colossians as we left the hotel at 7:35 a.m.

Colossae

The drive to Colossae took us on a road that followed an ancient road in Roman times. The drive took us about three hours, but we stopped on the way at small Turkish shop for bathrooms and “goodies.” Located on the slopes of the mountain range about 20 minutes from Laodicea, Colossae is presently an un-excavated site (although preparations are underway to begin digging here in 2026!) The city served as a home of Epaphras who was imprisoned with Paul in Rome in the early 60s AD when Paul wrote a letter to the church here. While Paul passed through this region on his mission journeys, we cannot be certain Paul was actually in Colossae, for he wrote, “For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh” (Colossians 2:1). On the other hand, Paul mentions to Philemon to prepare a guest room for him here (Philemon 1:22). Most in the group climbed to the top of the site. The view from the top of the site was very good, looking in all directions. On the mountain side are springs that fed a river that flowed past the site.

Laodicea

Across the valley is Laodicea, another huge archaeological site. The city was named after the wife of the Seleucid rule named Antiochus II. In the days of the NT, the city was known for its eye salve and the production of textile/cloth that was black in color. We saw many things here, including many Byzantine churches (one from an earlier period – 2nd century AD), a large Temple (from an earlier period) dedicated to Aphrodite, Artemis, and Zeus. The two theaters (on the north and west) were built on the steep slopes of the site. The Hellenistic theater has been excavated (and restored) while the Roman one has not. The city also had a few marketplaces (agoras) and a stadium not yet excavated (some in the group walked out to see it among all the hollyhocks). Lastly, Laodicea had two elaborate water distribution centers. It brought cold water from the snow-capped mountains and the river that flowed through Colossae, and the hot water from the other direction from Hierapolis. This church was criticized for being “lukewarm.” We read from Revelation 3:14-22 inside one of the Byzantine churches.

Hierapolis

Our last site of the day (which we could see from Laodicea) was Hierapolis. We saw the highlights of the ruins. The site itself spans about 2.5 miles. We first walked into the site to the area of the white calcium/lime deposits caused by the hot springs. Many enjoyed sticking their feet into the hot channel of water. Following this, many in the group hiked up to the “traditional” Tomb of Philip (dating to the 5th-6th century, and we cant be sure it was the “Philip” of the Bible) and one of the most intact and complete theaters in the Roman world. It even incudes the back section (scanae) that extended high above the stage and orchestra area. It dates to the 2nd century AD.

The drive to the hotel in Pamukkale only took about 10 minutes. After checking in, some in the group enjoyed Turkish baths. We ate together at 7:30 before retiring for the evening. We leave early tomorrow (7 a.m.) and will see four more of the 7 Churches. It was another great day! What a beautiful country!

Day 10 – Wednesday, June 17: Philadelphia, Sardis, Thyatira, Pergamum – Acropolis, Izmir

Today was our second last day of touring. We continued west, visiting four more of the churches mentioned in Revelation 2-3. The sun was again warm, with highs in the low 90s. However, the breezes on top of Pergamon (our last site) made it pleasant. We read from 1 Thessalonians 1 as we left the hotel at an early start-time of 7 a.m.

Philadelphia

Our drive took us northwest (retracing another Roman road system) to  Philadelphia. The drive was about 50 miles, taking a little over an hour. Only two large arches remain among the limited ruins here. There was also an inscription with “Philadelphia” in Greek. We read from Revelation 3:7-13.

Sardis

Next, we drove about 45 miles to our next stop, Sardis. The visit included walking through the ancient synagogue (3rd century AD) with amazing mosaics and the reconstructed gymnasium. Driving to the other area of ruins, we also saw the huge and most impressive Temple of Artemis. This temple once had about 120 massive pillars. It dates to the 4th century BC. We read Revelation 3:1-6 here.

Thyratira

Upon boarding the bus again, we drove another 45 minutes to the next site, Thyatira. Within the site we read from Revelation 2:18-29. Like Smyrna, this site has only limited ruins, mainly from the Late Roman / Byzantine Period, although arches from the time of Alexander the Great (4th century BC) can still be seen. (Incidentally, in the fall of 2025, John’s group met David Stott, the author of Driving Through History. He was there recording a piece to be aired in May or June of 2026. You may want to look it up on Youtube!). On the way back to the bus, most of us enjoyed some wonderful ice cream!

Pergamum

Our last site of the day was Pergamum (Bergama). Before visiting the Acropolis of the site, we enjoyed a real “mom and pop” place for a delightful homemade lunch (bread, soup, cheeses, salad, etc…). This is also a carpet “cooperative.” We enjoyed seeing how carpets were made (incidentally, this place was much, much nicer and reasonable than the “big-store” carpet places outside Ephesus). We enjoyed our time here.

At the site of Pergamum, we took the cable car to the acropolis. What an amazing view from here! We saw many temples (Trajan Athena, Demeter, Dionysus etc.). We also saw the altar of Zeus, most likely referred to in Revelation as the “throne of Satan.” Most impressive was the theater. It was the steepest in the Greek and Roman world and could hold 10,000. A few of us carefully climbed down the steps and back. It was a “stair-workout” for sure!

Izmir

It took about an hour and a half (with the heavier city traffic due to the 6.5 million who live here) to arrive at our hotel in Izmir (ancient Smyrna). It is a very nice hotel located on the Aegean Sea. We enjoyed another outstanding dinner together. Food in all of our hotels have been very good! We retired for the evening, preparing for our last touring day tomorrow.

Day 11 – Thursday, June 18: Izmir, Smyrna – Agora, Miletus, Ephesus, Kusadasi

Today was our last full day here in Turkey. Before we fly home early tomorrow morning, we connected with the Bible at three sites. The weather changed a bit today, with overcast skies and some rain in the morning (most of which when we were driving), but with mostly sunny skies in the afternoon, with highs around 80. We left the hotel at 8 a.m., reading 2 Corinthians 11 about Paul’s trials) as we drove to our first site.

Smyrna

Our first of the day was  ancient Smyrna. Located right in the heart of modern Izmir. While the site has limited archaeology, we saw the agora, impressive arches, and part of the water system. Read from from Revelation 2:8-11. We considered John’s word of commendation for the Christians in Smyrna who were persevering in the faith despite persecution.

Miletus

We drove about about 70 miles south to Miletus. The last 10 miles or so was flat farmland with many cotton fields. In Paul’s day this was all under water (the Aegean Sea). The most impressive thing at this site is the theater originally built in the Hellenistic Period. It was later expanded to hold about 10,000 people. Some of the marble “reserve seats” had Greek inscriptions. We read from Acts 20:15-38. Paul met the elders of Ephesus here en route to his travels to Jerusalem at the end of his third mission journey. It was a tender and emotional “farewell” for Paul and his friends from Ephesus.

Ephesus

We drove back north to the area of Ephesus. We first visited a Turkish Delights store (really fun!) before arriving in Ephesus at about 3:15. Ephesus was a massive port city back in the days of Paul. Today the water’s edge is about 4 miles away! Paul spent about 2.5 years here during his 3rd mission journey. He also visited the site at the end of his 2nd journey (Acts 18). In the days of Paul, this would be been a major harbor used for commerce and trade.

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. People gathered in the theater “confused” and “not knowing why they were there” (although they no doubt anticipated being treated to food and wine, as was the custom). Unfortunately the theater has been closed for over 8 months for renovation. While the top level of this theater dates to a time period after Paul, about 20,000 people could have fit in here. However, upon leaving the site we got great pictures of the theater from a distance.

Upon leaving the main area of excavations, 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. Here, we read John’s letter to the church of Ephesus from Revelation 2:1-7.

Kusadasi

From Ephesus, we drove a short distance (20 minutes) to the coastline of the Aegean Sea and to the city of Kusadasi. This is where Isa lives. After we arrived at our hotel, we enjoyed the wonderful view of the sea. Some even went swimming! We enjoyed a spectacular “sunset dinner” at 7:30 outside overlooking the water! We all then retired in preparation for our early departure (4:15, 4:45, and 7:15 departures) for the Izmir Airport. We all fly home tomorrow morning.

Day 12 – Friday, June 19 – Departure for Izmir Airport (Early morning flights)

The day began early for 19 of us, as we drove to the airport at 12:30 a.m. For 10 others, the departure time from the hotel was 3:45 a.m. The last three had a late morning flight. The flights all went well but long. However, it was a safe trip home for the group.

We are thankful for a wonderful trip, with many unique connections to Paul and the Seven Churches of Revelation. The context of the NT came alive in real ways! We drove a total of about 2,300 miles, in addition to the flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia. Thanks be to God for a great trip with a fantastic group!

The Stadium at Laodicea

There are ancient stadiums still to be seen around the Roman world. A “stadia” was about 625 Roman feet (185 metres or 606.9 feet), or 125 paces, and was equal to about one-eighth of a mile. Additionally, a Roman mile was 4,855 feet or 1480 meters, or 8 Roman stadia, or 1000 Roman paces, or 2000 Roman steps.

Paul references “running the race” a few times in the NT. One of those passages is 1 Corinthians 9:24-25:  “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

This un-excavated  stadium at Laodicea gives us a sense of how many spectators could watch the “Games.”  Imagine sitting on these benches and watching a running race here in the days of Paul!