The Seven Churches of Revelation
If Israel is the “Holy Land,” then Turkey should be called the “Motherland” of Christianity. Here, Jesus followers were first called Christians. First-century Turkey—then the Roman provinces of Asia and Galatia—was a hotspot of Christian activity.
This trip is much more than just visiting the seven cities mentioned in Revelation 2-3. It’s about stepping into God’s story in the First Century Church. It’s about immersing ourselves in the worldview and culture of the churches the apostles ministered to, and discover new depths of nuance and understanding in their writings.
What clear picture did John have in mind when he wrote about “the one who overcomes” (Rev 2:7, etc.)? Why did Paul use so many sports references (1 Cor 9:24-27, Gal 5:7, etc)? Why was Laodicea “lukewarmness” such a vivid illustration (Rev 3)?
Learn all that and more on our The Seven Churches of Revelation trips.
Here’s a few highlights of the trip
HIEROPOLIS & CLEOPATRA’S POOL (photo by Shankar S.)
In Hieropolis, the modern city of Pamukkale, you will have an opportunity to swim among fallen pillars in “Cleopatra’s Pool” and dip your toes in the white crystal pools of the hot springs. In view: Laodicea, in the valley; Colossae, off in the distance. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul talks about the churches here and in Laodicea.
EPHESUS
The apostle John wrote his Gospel and the Epistles of 1, 2, and 3 John from the mighty city of Ephesus. Ephesus was the second largest city in the Roman Empire. A strategic location where Paul spent three years working, ministering, and writing to the Corinthians. Later he wrote to the Ephesians as well as individuals like Timothy living in the city.
PERGAMUM
We will ride the cable car to the top of the acropolis that held “the throne of Satan” (Rev 2:13). We will walk among the remains of the great temple to Zeus, Athena, Dionysus, and Caesar. From the steep 10,000 seat theater, we will look down upon the sanctuary of Asclepion (the Mayo Clinic of ancient Asia) and the Red Basilica where ancient statues “talked.”
MILETUS
We will walk the streets and harbor entrance of the Miletus, where Paul met the elders of the church of Ephesus when he was on his way to Jerusalem. We will also visit an ancient theater—emblem of the Greek culture—that still bears an inscription reserving seats, “Place of the Jews, who are also called God-fearing”.
SARDIS
Sardis, with its beautifully reconstructed gymnasium and bathhouse echoes its grandeur. The synagogue—the largest of the ancient world—on the main square testifies to the wealth of the Jewish population. One of the massive columns in the temple to Artemis declares, “My body and my foundation are carved from a single block of stone. I am the first to rise . . .”
THE GODDESS NIKE
In Ephesus, we see the Roman goddess Nike, who holds the palm branch of victory and a wreath (crown) for the victor.
John and Paul both used this imagery in encouraging Christ followers to stand firm and overcome (Rev. 2-3; 7:9) , and to pursue the wreath/crown that does not perish (1 Cor. 9:25).