Tuesday 17 March 2015

ABC Wednesday, Greece, J for Journeys





The apostel Paul made four  missionary  journeys. He traveled more than 10,000 miles proclaiming the gospel of Jesus. His journeys on land and sea took him primarily through present day Israel, Syria, Turkey, and Greece. Paul walked the roads built by the Romans to facilitate their control over their Empire. Travelers took to the roads in as large a group as they could find. There was constant danger of bandits. They hurried to get to the next wayside inn for shelter and whatever food might be available.

 The first journey begins when Paul, Barnabus, and Mark set out from Antioch (Acts 13:4). This journey started after 44 AD and ended a "long time" (Acts 14:28) before 50 AD.


I  think we followed the same journey Paul did when he was on his second  journey.

 

  This is a road-sign of the Via Egnatia. On the map above you'll see the Egnatian Way coloured green and starting in Byzantium
The Via Egnatia  was a road constructed by the Romans in the 2nd century BC, running through territory that is now part of modern Albania, the Republic of Macedonia, Greece, and European Turkey.

 Paul must have walked here on his way to Philippi. From Thessaloniki we  had an excursion to Philippi, where we visited the church dedicated to Lydia, who was baptized in a small river near the church.

                                                                                      





The church dedicated to Lydia.


In this river Lydia was baptized

Agora of Philippi



In Philippi we saw among other things: the Roman agora, the ruins of the courts of justice and a place  where Paul and Silas were imprisoned.

Delphi

 

Thessaloniki Basilica of Saint Demetrius

 

 

Meteora

 


We travelled from Corinth to Athens, where we stayed for a couple of days before flying back to the Netherlands.



















Acropolis


 Mystras

 

Paul must have been at the ancient  places around Athens.

    ABC on Wednesday has arrived at the letter J . Thank you Denise Nesbitt and ABCW Team.




21 comments:

Sylvia K said...

What a wonderful post, Wil!! I do love Greece and was fortunate enough to spend some time there with my husband years ago!! Thanks for the lovely memories!! Hope you're enjoying a great week!!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

It really is amazing to think about someone traveling all those miles back then. A great post; really makes it all 'come to life'.

Rajesh said...

You are very well traveled and covered a lot of places.

Trubes said...

Most interesting Wil,
I enjoyed reading this. I haven't been to that part of Greece, although, as you know, I have been Ephesus in Turkey.
He must have been a fit man travelling so far and spreading the word of the lord.

best wishes,
Di.
ABCW team.

Roger Owen Green said...

My daughter is named for the Lydia in Acts!

ROG, ABCW

Hildred said...

A fascinating journey - you must have enjoyed this immensely, Wil.

Photo Cache said...

How spectacular to be able to take the same route that St. Paul took. What a pilgrimmage.

My ABC WEDNESDAY

Anonymous said...

It must be amazing to follow the steps of the Apostle Paul and to see these places where events we've read about in the Bible took place.

Arnoldo L. Romero, MLA said...

Greece is one of the countries in my bucket list. Thanks for the virtual journey. Blessings!

Nonnie said...

Isn't it incredible that Paul covered so much of the world as they knew it then? Our parish had a retreat day this past weekend so I found out that not only Paul wrote for the gentiles but so did Luke. I love learning about my faith. Well, to be honest, I love learning, period!

Meoww said...

Greece is soo fascinating! Especially the Delphi. Interesting Read.

Lmkazmierczak said...

What a fantastic trip! 'I rish' you a happy St. Patrick's Day♪ http://lauriekazmierczak.com/jagged-ice/

Anita Sabat said...

Lovely pics.
I love heritage sites.
Athens is on my wish-list :)
Thanks for sharing, Wil!
Have a great week!

Unknown said...

Mooie foto's weer Wil....
Lijkt me een prachtig land om te bezoeken.

Fijne week gewenst

Obsessivemom said...

I find it amazing that people managed to walk such long distances. I have seen pictures of Greece and it seems like a beautiful country. You're fortunate to get to travel there.

fredamans said...

That route marker is pretty amazing!

Indrani said...

Loved this journey! Amazing!
Happy ABCW!

Anonymous said...

I love Greece, and the foods!A beautiful trip you made! Paul is my favorite apostle. Stayed for 9 days in Athens, and one of the islands. Where we cooling down on a patio, we heard behind us, "And now nog effe boodschappen doen" It was so typical Dutch that we burst out laughing.
Lydia always has intrigued me.

Anonymous said...

I like the history behind this post. What a wonderful trip.

Reader Wil said...

Dear Ann from New Zealand! Suddenly I can't reach your blog. I want to thank you for your visit and comment.
Wil, ABCW

Kay said...

Oh my! I remember that first photo from our trip to Greece to see the Parthenon last year.