So... early in the morning, we were summoned to the seaside by Professor Chadwick and there he pointed across the Aegean and reminded us of when Paul has the vision where a man is beckoning him to come across the sea to Macedonia. How easy it is to understand the stories from the scriptures when you're looking at the exact location where it occurred!
We began a rather elongate ride with a few great stops: Assos, where we saw the long lost Temple of Athena. The views were quite delightful.
We then found ourselves on a trap riding up to the top of the hill on which Pergamos resides. The Temple of Trajan stands as a good reminded of how difficult it was for the early believers to keep the faith despite the influences of the surrounding area (greek influence of worshiping other Gods). Small fact: Our teacher, who has traveled to tens of hundreds of archeology sites commented that this temple was constructed using the whitest stone he has ever seen. Perhaps this is why Paul references a "white stone" in the book of Revelation. Cool connection if I do say so myself. And I just did.
There's something about standing on a pedestal that makes you feel like you have more strength then you really do. But we all need that sort of boost once in while.
I have realized that although Utah has many natural items unique and fascinating, there really are no ancient amphitheaters running around that you can take awesome pictures of. Not baggin' on Arches, Moab, or Zion (after all, two out of the three are a part of the bible).
Made a quick stop at a Bedouin village that makes rugs in order to give employment to the women. Perhaps one of the cooler things I've seen: the unspinning of bunches of silk worm cocoons into silk yarn/thread. Who would have thought it was a real thing and that everything silk is not made in China?
Venturing onward to the once great city of Ephesus.
Paul stayed in this city for around 2-3 years and taught many of the Jews and Gentiles that lived there. (in the streets, etc...)
Without a doubt one of my favorite pictures taken—me and Wayna.
Paul probably did a lot of this.
And this.
Not too sure about this.
By far my favorite part of the trip was when we walked in to the huge amphitheater where Paul's missionary companions were taken and forced to stand and listen while the theater full of angry Ephesians roared, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" for three hours. Our group decided that it will help to understand the situation if we too yelled out across to the other tour groups in the vicinity, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" Quite the experience to be in the very place in which that occurred. Afterwards we went down to the stage and all 80 of us sang "All Creatures of Our God and King".
After being wowed at Ephesus we continued on to Miletus where on his third missionary journey, he called all of the leaders of the church to meet him.
Giving tribute to those early Christians who had perhaps more chutzpah than we do, because they were pressed from all sides to "give in" because "everyone was doing it". It's any wonder the Apostles had to continue correcting doctrine throughout those years.
Is this a visual metaphor concerning incorrect and false doctrines that snuck around in hopes that they would undermine the faith of the early Christians? Perhaps.
Another gem. Ashlyn and I are modeling the hot springs at Pamukkale, near ancient Hierapolis. This is why the Lord in Revelation says that those in Laodicea were 'lukewarm' and that He would "spew them out of his mouth". Not only were they lukewarm in the following the gospel, but they actually received a combination of hot water from Hierapolis, and cold water from Colossae— so they actually used lukewarm water daily. had lukewarm water. Quite the object lesson from the Lord to them, and to us.
While in Bursa we visited one of the mosque's dotted around the capital. I almost wish that I could have worn a scarf. But alas and alack.
On our drive to Bursa we were informed that we had the unforeseen opportunity to visit Isnik. Or for all of those familiar with any sort of history at all would know it as Nicaea, the birthplace of the Nicene Creed. There we learned of a chronically common misconception: the Council of Nicaea and the subsequent Nicene Creed is a tragedy concerning the loss of the belief in the Godhead as three separate and distinct individuals. But it in fact safeguarded a belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ, which belief would have been obliterate through centuries if that council had not canonized it on paper. We should in fact be grateful for this Creed, for in fact, it is how Christianity has survived to our day, in it's present condition.
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| A supposed location where the Council could have assembled |
Back in Istanbul we visited the famous Hagia Sophia, which is quite a formidable structure. And just like a lot of religious buildings, it was passed along to different religions, each adding there own little architectural aspects. A grand scale it was built upon, how amazing, surprised I was, a lot.
And then, to end the trip, I saw a pillar of light. All in all, Turkey holds some well-kept secrets up it's sleeve that the average commoner might render as dross if better study is not obtained. I recommend to one and all to take up the cause of Turkey stand for truth and righteousness and do as Paul did and spread the cause of Freedom to the world!
This blog post and its contents does not reflect the personal opinions and views of anyone in particular and can in fact be taken at face value, much unlike everything else in this world.
Cheers.
Cool pics! Glad you're enjoying all of it and soaking it all in. You're going to come back this knowledgeable Bible scholar and I won't know what you're talking about half (or more) of the time. But I'll still love you. Pookie,
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