Following in the Footsteps of Paul Through Greece
Greece is known for its deep blue seas, vibrant seaside towns, and innumerable historic treasures. But for the Christian traveler, Greece holds special meaning. It is here where Paul the Apostle journeyed through the country, spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Walk in Paul’s footsteps and experience a spiritual journey that will enrich your mind and soul.
As you Gain insight into Paul’s mission while experiencing his adventurous trek through Greece, you’ll come across the following:
Thessalonica
Thessalonica is a beautiful seaside city in the Thermaic Gulf of the Aegon Sea and is over 2,300 years old. The town was built by the Macedonian King Kassandros, in 316B.C., named after his wife Thessalonica, the sister of Alexander the Great. It was here that Paul wrote his letters to the Thessalonians.
Apostle Paul and Silas preached to the Jews for three Sabbaths in a synagogue. Not all rose to accept Paul’s teachings, fomenting a riot that would have cost the Apostles their lives where they not saved by a daring midnight escape.
The Seaside of Thessalonica
Among the different sites in Thessalonica our spiritual journey will take us to the highlights remain the House of Jason where Paul lived in Thessalonica, and the cave and well of Apostle Paul where the following words may come to mind:
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying.
Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus”
1 Thessalonians 5:16
Through Kavala and Philippi
Walk through the beautiful town of Kavala. In the days of Paul, it was called Neapolis (Acts 16:11), and it was in Troas where he received his call to go to Europe to preach the Gospel. Philippi, located 10 miles from Neapolis, is Kavala at night where Apostle Paul started the first European church. He wrote the letters to the Philippians while at this ancient site and baptized the first Christian on European soil. Paul made Philippi his home for a while and stayed with Lydia, a wealthy widow he met while preaching the Gospel to a crowd of women. He started bringing the word of God to the nations and baptized Lydia and her household.
Kavala at night
We will visit the ancient theatre and see the area where Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned. The two managed to escape through divine intervention, freed to escape as an earthquake struck. For more insight, you can read about this extraordinary story in Acts 16:16-40.
Veria and the Holy Monasteries of Kalambaka
Apostle Paul visited Veria twice between 50 A.D and 57 A.D. This town has played a notable role in establishing Christianity in Greece — so much so that they built a monument dedicated to Apostle Paul and his teachings.
Monastery in Meteora
You’ll sense the holiness of the site as you make it across to those same roman plates where the people of Veria believe that Paul stood and preached.
No visit to Greece is complete without visiting the monasteries of Meteora, perched atop massive rock formations over 1,800 feet from the ground. Being in the presence of such beautiful sites does much to remind us of God’s power and glory.
Apostle Paul and the Areopagus in Athens
Just West of the Acropolis, with fantastic temples, situated 500 feet above the Ilissos valley, we find Mars Hill. This rocky hill has a special connection with Apostle Paul because it is here that he addressed the Athenian Philosophers.
The Parthenon of Athens
Your travels through Athens will also take you to Agora, an ancient marketplace, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Presidential Palace.
The Bema at Corinth
Situated in Corinth is a structure of marble called the Bema. This structure served as a pedestal, where the Corinthians held public speeches and legal cases in the early first century. Years later, after their conversion to Christianity, they built a Christian church.
The forum in Corinth
The Apostle Paul was brought to Bema to be judged by Gallio for teaching the Gospel. Gallio refused to hear the case so Paul could continue to share the love of God. He established a thriving church in Corinth and dedicated 18 months to share the Gospel to gentiles in the city.
“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived—
the things God has prepared for those who love him—”
1 Corinthians 2:9
Final Thoughts
Paul’s journey of evangelism, spreading the Gospel of Jesus to the people of Greece and Europe, is the ultimate story of faith and mission. His words of encouragement echo today in the hearts of all believers. We invite you to join us and follow his path in this once in his transformative adventure.
For more faith-based travel ideas, explore the www.journeys-unlimited.com website, and connect with us by email at journeysunlimited@groupist.com or call at 800-486-8359
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