In Acts 13 Paul and Barnabas Are Set Apart for the Work of the Ministry

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

In Acts 13 Paul and Barnabas Are Set Apart for the Work of the Ministry _______________________________________________________________________ Jesus Culture In Acts 13 Paul and Barnabas are set apart for the work of the ministry. − After a time of fasting and prayer the first missionary team is formed − Their first missionary journey is through Galatia – approx. 1500 miles − This new missionary team first travels to Cyprus where they encounter a false prophet by the name of BarJesus − After Paul and BarJesus have a “come to Jesus meeting” the proconsul Sergius comes to faith in Christ. − Paul and Barnabas leave Cyprus and sail 175 miles northwest to Perga where John Mark leaves the mission field and returns to Jerusalem − Paul and Barnabas pass through Perga and make their way through the Taurus Mountains to Antioch of Pisidia. − The route is treacherous and could be the reason why John Mark left… he basically chickens out… you could say he was no Eagle Scout. − Paul preaches in Pisidian Antioch, but the Jews reject the gospel and end up running Paul and Barnabas out of town. − The new missionary team moves on to Iconium full of joy and the Holy Spirit − I love being around people that are discovering ministry for the first time. − They are so fired up and excited, nothing discourages them − But as the work gets dangerous, Paul faces four challenging tests of faith… o The Test Of Perseverance o The Test Of Integrity o The Test Of Courage o The Test Of Completion The Test Of Perseverance Acts 14:1–7 (NKJV) At Iconium 14 Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren. 3 Therefore they stayed there a The Secret Of Perseverance / Acts 14 © 2010 Holland Davis _______________________________________________________________________ Jesus Culture long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4 But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 5 And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, 6 they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region. 7 And they were preaching the gospel there. Paul and Barnabas preach the gospel at the synagogue in Iconium − Both Gentiles and Jews respond to Paul’s preaching and believe − But the unbelieving Jews aren’t happy campers… so they begin a smear campaign against Paul and Barnabas. − “poisoned their minds against the bretheren” – the unbelieving Jews did more than talk bad about Paul and Barnabas. − They turned the Gentiles against them to the point of having hostile feelings − That is the power of gossip and slander – it can incite hatred in people against others that they’ve never met. o A slanderer is one who intentionally seeks to damage a person’s reputation through misinformation and defamation of character usually because of insecurity, jealousy or pride. − How does Paul and Barnabas deal with slander? They persevere!!! o Speaking boldly in the Lord o Bearing witness of the word of His grace o Witnessing signs and wonders through prayer o Paul and Barnabas obey God and prove the rumors wrong by continuing to minister to others with God’s power. o Are you being mistreated or falsely accused… persevere in helping others. − However, the city was divided. − A violent attempt is made to abuse and stone the apostles…. − They flee for their lives to Lystra…. − They continue preaching the gospel… − NOTICE: They didn’t take it personal, they just kept moving forward The Secret Of Perseverance / Acts 14 © 2010 Holland Davis _______________________________________________________________________ Jesus Culture The Test Of Integrity Acts 14:8–13 (NKJV) Idolatry at Lystra 8 And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. 9 This man heard Paul speaking. Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10 said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked. 11 Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12 And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes. Paul is preaching the gospel in Lystra − As he is preaching he looks at a crippled man − Seeing that the man has faith he commands him to stand up − The man is healed and the crowd goes wild − SIDE NOTE: My job is not to do the ministry. o My job is to equip and train you to do the ministry o One thing to note is that Paul could see the Spirit at work o We need to pay attention and look where the Spirit is working. − Only they think that Paul and Barnabas are the Greek gods Zeus and Hermes − I imagine that Barnabas must have had long grey hair and a beard because they call him Zeus − They are so convinced that the priest of Zeus brings oxen and flowers to sacrifice to them… they’re planning a citywide barbeque. − This is a test of integrity for Paul and Barnabas… o How do they respond to the rock star treatment? o Do they let them have a nice barbeque? o They could use their influence for the gospel? o What could it hurt? o Who would know? o God would know… The Secret Of Perseverance / Acts 14 © 2010 Holland Davis _______________________________________________________________________ Jesus Culture Acts 14:14–18 (NKJV) 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out 15 and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, 16 who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” 18 And with these sayings they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them. How did Paul and Barnabas do it? How did they stay grounded? Listen to their response to the situation… − They don’t forget who receives worship – Jews would tear their clothes when they witnessed blasphemy. The people were blaspheming God by worshipping man. − They don’t forget who they are – We are men with the same nature as you − They don’t forget why they are there – we preach that you should turn from these useless things to the living God − They don’t forget their place in the world – he’s just a small part of God’s plan to demonstrate His love… God gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. The Test Of Courage Acts 14:19–20 (NKJV) Stoning, Escape to Derbe 19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. 20 However, when the disciples gathered The Secret Of Perseverance / Acts 14 © 2010 Holland Davis _______________________________________________________________________ Jesus Culture around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. Paul learns just like Jesus did… the same crowd that said “Hail Him” moments later said “Nail Him.” − The Jews follow Paul from Antioch and Iconium and incite a riot against Paul − Why do you think they did that? − Did they believe they were doing God a favor by stopping Paul? − Did they catch Paul in a lie? − Was it personal? − Paul is a Jew. It was fellow Jews that turned the Gentiles against Paul. − Paul is stoned, dragged out of the city and left for dead − The Bible says the disciples gathered around him, I believe they prayed for Paul, he gets up and goes back into the city − That’s courage − How did Paul find the courage to keep going? From other disciples!!! − NOTE: There are times when we need our brothers to come around us, to pray for us and to stand with us, especially when others are out to harm us… o Maybe it’s someone at work that thinks you’re in the way of their promotion o Maybe it’s a mean neighbor or an angry family member o Maybe it’s another brother in Christ o We need to stand around each other and pray for each other. The Test Of Completion Acts 14:21–26 (NKJV) Strengthening the Converts 21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” 23 The Secret Of Perseverance / Acts 14 © 2010 Holland Davis _______________________________________________________________________ Jesus Culture So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.
Recommended publications
  • The Expansion of Christianity: a Gazetteer of Its First Three Centuries
    THE EXPANSION OF CHRISTIANITY SUPPLEMENTS TO VIGILIAE CHRISTIANAE Formerly Philosophia Patrum TEXTS AND STUDIES OF EARLY CHRISTIAN LIFE AND LANGUAGE EDITORS J. DEN BOEFT — J. VAN OORT — W.L. PETERSEN D.T. RUNIA — C. SCHOLTEN — J.C.M. VAN WINDEN VOLUME LXIX THE EXPANSION OF CHRISTIANITY A GAZETTEER OF ITS FIRST THREE CENTURIES BY RODERIC L. MULLEN BRILL LEIDEN • BOSTON 2004 This book is printed on acid-free paper. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Mullen, Roderic L. The expansion of Christianity : a gazetteer of its first three centuries / Roderic L. Mullen. p. cm. — (Supplements to Vigiliae Christianae, ISSN 0920-623X ; v. 69) Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 90-04-13135-3 (alk. paper) 1. Church history—Primitive and early church, ca. 30-600. I. Title. II. Series. BR165.M96 2003 270.1—dc22 2003065171 ISSN 0920-623X ISBN 90 04 13135 3 © Copyright 2004 by Koninklijke Brill nv, Leiden, The Netherlands All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, translated, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher. Authorization to photocopy items for internal or personal use is granted by Brill provided that the appropriate fees are paid directly to The Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Suite 910 Danvers, MA 01923, USA. Fees are subject to change. printed in the netherlands For Anya This page intentionally left blank CONTENTS Preface ........................................................................................ ix Introduction ................................................................................ 1 PART ONE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES IN ASIA BEFORE 325 C.E. Palestine .....................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • First Missionary Journey & the Jerusalem Conference
    The Apostle Paul, Servant of Christ Boiling Springs, NC Overview Study Guide 704 966-6845 Unit II, Chapter 5 [email protected] “The First Missionary Journey” © All rights reserved by Lorin L Cranford Quick Links to Study 5.0 First Missionary Journey 5.0.1 Establishing Christian Congregations 5.0.2 Discipling Christian Congregations, Acts 14:21-28 5.0.1.1 Work in Seleucia, Acts 13:4 Summary: Gal. 3:1-5, 4:12-20 5.0.1.2 Work in Cyprus, Acts 13:5-12 5.1. Jerusalem Council, Acts 15:1-36, Gal. 2:1-10 5.0.1.3 Work in Perga, Acts 13:13 5.1.1 Problems at Antioch, Acts 15:1-3 5.0.1.4 Work in Pisidian Antioch, Acts 13:14-52 5.1.2 Victory in Jerusalem, Acts 15:4-29, Gal. 2:1-10 5.0.1.5 Work in Iconium, Acts 14:1-7 5.1.3 Ministry in Antioch, Acts 15:30-35, Gal. 2:11-14 5.0.1.6 Work in Lystra, Acts 14:8-20 5.0.1.7 Work in Derbe, Acts 14:21 Conclusion Introduction After Paul and Barnabas arrived back at Antioch, along with John Mark, some time passed before the next major event that would change Christianity forever. The breakthrough to the non-Jewish world with the Gos- pel had largely started at Antioch. And now this group of believers would launch a movement toward Gentiles that would revolutionize Christianity. This event was the beginning of the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas.
    [Show full text]
  • A2103 ~ in Antioch of Pisidia
    BIBLE RADIO PRODUCTIONS www.bibleradio.org.au BIBLE ADVENTURES SCRIPT: A2103 ~ In Antioch of Pisidia. Welcome to Bible Adventures. Help for today. Hope for tomorrow. Jesus is Lord of all. In today’s Bible Adventure, the Apostle Paul gives a history lesson on the foundations of the nation of Israel. It is helpful for us to take a look at this history behind the current nations of the world, and come to a point of understanding that those who don’t know history are destined to repeat it. One of the most significant problems experienced by people from all generations is their desire to dominate others. They either covet someone else’s possessions and so try to gain them by killing the rightful owners, or they insist that their religious beliefs are the correct ones and cause death to dissenters. These things are the heart of the spiritual battle between God and Satan and their followers. Somewhere around the world, there are wars in progress and needless destruction occurring as one group of people push its idea of self-superiority over other groups. For such people, peace is such a temporary thing at best and daily suffering is part of life. Hope in God may be the only answer to the despair brought about by such conflicts. The rise of Christianity had a moderating effect on many forms of superiority behaviour. Although the Christian Church went through an historical period of serving the state, it claimed to stand above all states, as morality should stand above power. With history as our guide, democracy has done less harm and more good than any other form of government.
    [Show full text]
  • Christianizing Asia Minor Paul Mckechnie Index More Information
    Cambridge University Press 978-1-108-48146-5 — Christianizing Asia Minor Paul McKechnie Index More Information Index 1 John, New Testament epistle, 51, 56, 118 Alexander son of Antonios, 148, 150, 1 Peter, New Testament epistle, 51, 213 165–6, 210, 247 1 Timothy, New Testament epistle, 152 Alexander, bishop of Jerusalem, 214 4 Ezra, 100 Alexander, martyr, 117 Alexandria, 27, 51, 167, 193, 214, 216 ab epistulis, 76, 177 Alexandros aka Artemon, 192 Abdul Hamid, 150, 158 Alexandros son of Domnos, 242 Aberkios stone, 157, 179 Alexandros son of Epigonos, 199 Aberkios, bishop of Hierapolis, 16, 45, 127, Alexandros son of Gaios, 199, 223, 293 131, 137, 139, 147–65, 207, 210, 221, Alexandros son of Menekrates, 220, 290 228, 240, 244, 246–7, 263–87 alimentary schemes, 180 Abgar VIII, 162 Allexandreia, 235 Abraham, bishop of Seleucia-Ctesiphon, 62 Allexandros, 235 Abras, presbyter, 256 aloes, 55 Abris, bishop of Seleucia-Ctesiphon, 62 Alphios, presbyter, 256 Achaean/s, 69 Anaitis, 41 Acts of St Trophimus, 199 Ancyra, 18, 30, 127–8, 146, 188–9, 259, Adana, 72 308 Adıgüzel Dam, 99 angel/s, 4, 20, 25, 31–2, 85, 94, 96–7, 103, Adrianople, 258 111, 130, 153, 155, 161, 173, 184–5, aedicula, 155 227–8, 287 Aegean, 8 Anicetus, bishop of Rome, 79, 82 Aelius Aristides, 86 Aniketos, 257 Aelius Glykon, 65 Anne, Queen, 79 Aelius Publius Julius, 116, 131 anonymous anti-Montanist writer, 100–2, aeons, 70 106, 108, 120, 126, 128, 131, 144, 158 Africa, 97, 101, 129–30, 164, 213, 255 anti-Marcionite prologue, 55 Afyonkarahisar, 166, 215, 234, 291 antimony, 108 Ağa
    [Show full text]
  • THE GEOGRAPHY of GALATIA Gal 1:2; Act 18:23; 1 Cor 16:1
    CHAPTER 38 THE GEOGRAPHY OF GALATIA Gal 1:2; Act 18:23; 1 Cor 16:1 Mark Wilson KEY POINTS • Galatia is both a region and a province in central Asia Minor. • The main cities of north Galatia were settled by the Gauls in the third cen- tury bc. • The main cities of south Galatia were founded by the Greeks starting in the third century bc. • Galatia became a Roman province in 25 bc, and the Romans established colonies in many of its cities. • Pamphylia was part of Galatia in Paul’s day, so Perga and Attalia were cities in south Galatia. GALATIA AS A REGION and their families who migrated from Galatia is located in a basin in north-cen- Thrace in 278 bc. They had been invited tral Asia Minor that is largely flat and by Nicomedes I of Bithynia to serve as treeless. Within it are the headwaters of mercenaries in his army. The Galatians the Sangarius River (mode rn Sakarya) were notorious for their destructive and the middle course of the Halys River forays, and in 241 bc the Pergamenes led (modern Kızılırmak). The capital of the by Attalus I defeated them at the battle Hittite Empire—Hattusha (modern of the Caicus. The statue of the dying Boğazköy)—was in eastern Galatia near Gaul, one of antiquity’s most noted the later site of Tavium. The name Galatia works of art, commemorates that victo- derives from the twenty thousand Gauls ry. 1 The three Galatian tribes settled in 1 . For the motif of dying Gauls, see Brigitte Kahl, Galatians Re-imagined: Reading with the Eyes of the Vanquished (Minneapolis: Fortress, 2010), 77–127.
    [Show full text]
  • Copies of Bible Study Class Charts 10 Mar 15
    Acts 15 3 3 15 Review of Acts 15 Paul and Barnabas were describing their successful missionary journey when some men came down from Jerusalem demanding the Gentile converts be circumcised and live Kosher After much discussion the Church in Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem to discuss this matter with the Apostles and elders On their way through Phoenicia and Samaria they related their success in attracting many Gentiles to the Church They were well received by the Jerusalem Church until members of the party of the Pharisees challenged them again Review of Acts 15 (Cont) During the heated debate Peter again presents his beliefs as related to the conversion of Cornelius Paul and Barnabas then present their successes among the Gentiles whom they had baptized The elderly James, Bishop of Jerusalem: Agrees with Peter, Paul and Barnabas Reminds the council that the coming of the Gentiles into the kingdom was prophesied by many prophets Quotes from the Prophet Amos Review of Acts 15 (Cont) James provided the solution by quoting from the “Holiness Code” from Leviticus stating that the Gentiles could be baptized into the Church so long as they abstained from: What has been sacrificed to idols Blood What has been strangled Pornea The council agreed Paul, Barnabas Judas (called Barsabbas), and Silas were instructed to take a letter containing this decision and read it to the Church in Antioch St. Barnabas Also called Joseph Styled an Apostle in Holy Scripture and, like Paul, is ranked with the Twelve, though not one of them May have been one of the 70 disciples of Jesus or may have converted to Christianity shortly after Pentecost (29 or 30 A.D.) Born of Jewish parents in the Island of Cyprus at about the beginning of the Christian Era St.
    [Show full text]
  • St. Paul Outline
    The Life and Missionary Journeys of St. Paul “I do it all for the sake of the Gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:23) I. Biographical 1. A.D. 8 - Born in Tarsus in Cilicia (Eastern part of modern Turkey) (cf Acts 22:3) a. Tarsus – cosmopolitan university town; center for stoicism; Jewish presence throughout region 2. Parents members of the Tribe of Benjamin (Rom 11:1; Phil 3:5) 3. As a Jew of the Diaspora - Given 2 names: Original Hebrew: Sual (Greek: Saulos); Paul (Ltn: Paullus) 4. Spoke Greek and Roman citizen (cf. Acts 22:25-28) 5. Learned manual labor as a “tent maker” (cf Acts 18:3; Acts 20:33-35) 6. Exposure to various cultures – Roman, Greek, Hebrew Æ disposed to a true universality II. Education 1. Early life in Tarsus: Hellenistic (Greek) influence; exposure to stoicism; familiar in the study of rhetoric 2. At 12 or 13 years (A.D. 20-21), Paul left Tarsus and moved to Jerusalem (in Palestine) a. In Jerusalem educated by Rabbi Gamaliel the Elder (nephew of Rabbi Hillel) b. Education in strict Pharisaism (school of Hillel); developed zeal for the Mosaic Torah (cf Gal 1:14; Phil 3:5-6; Acts 22:3; 23:6; 26:5) III. Early Persecution of the Church as a Pharisee: ca A.D. 30-36 (Acts 23:6; 26:5; Phil 3:5) 1. Major concerns of Pharisees: a. Zeal for the Law (written and oral); b. Purity of Israel; c. Belief in the bodily Resurrection of the dead (likely part of apocalyptic world view that God was about to transform history) 2.
    [Show full text]
  • In the Footsteps of Paul
    FMZBC In the footsteps of Paul 2nd Destination: Pisidian Antioch You, Paul and Barnabas left Paphos and sailed inland to Perga. From Perga you will all travel by foot about 95 miles to Pisidian Antioch. You have to travel through rugged m0untainous terrain periled with rivers and local tyrants/robbers. Pisidian Antioch was a city of mixed ethnicity including Jews, Phrygian, Greeks and Romans. This was the first place Paul preached to the Gentiles (non-Jews). The word of the Lord was spreading through the region. Some of the Jews did not like this so they stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their region. Acts 13:13-52 In Pisidian Antioch 13From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. 14From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down. 15After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue rulers sent word to them, saying, "Brothers, if you have a message of encouragement for the people, please speak." 16Standing up, Paul motioned with his hand and said: "Men of Israel and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me! 17The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt, with mighty power he led them out of that country, 18he endured their conduct for about forty years in the desert, 19he overthrew seven nations in Canaan and gave their land to his people as their inheritance.
    [Show full text]
  • The Biblical City of Antioch of Pisidia
    Antioch Of Pisidia “But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down.” (Acts 13:14) © 2020 David Padfield www.padfield.com Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Antioch Of Pisidia Introduction I. Of the sixteen ancient cities in Turkey named Antioch, only two are of any significance to Bible students today. A. One is now called Antakya (Antioch of Syria; Antioch on the Orontes), and the other is Antioch of Pisidia (Pisidian Antioch). B. Both cities played a major part in the early days of the church. II. Around A.D. 50, Paul visited Antioch of Pisidia on his first evangelistic journey (Acts 13:13–14), and his first recorded sermon was preached there (Acts 13:15–51). Discussion I. The History Of Antioch A. Antioch of Pisidia is located ½ mile north of the village of Yalvaç in the Isparta province in southern Turkey. B. After the death of Alexander the Great, Seleucus I Nicator, founder of the Seleucid Dynasty, took control of Pisidia (c. 330–280 B.C.). 1. “Seleucus Nicator I had nearly 60 cities founded and gave to 16 of them the name of his father and son: Antiochos” (Ünal Demirer, Pisidian Antioch, 20). 2. The cities he captured were soon Hellenized, and fortified cities were built at strategically important places. 3. Judging from coins minted around that time, the city must have been economically prosperous. C. In 188 B.C., the Romans defeated Antiochus III and declared Antioch of Pisidia a free city.
    [Show full text]
  • Antioch in New Testament Times
    Antioch In New Testament Times Sasha skinning long-distance. Cyrus still swang along while quartan Benito premiers that Elijah. Brian handled thereinafter while unratified Michele Atticizes evenings or query appallingly. The new testament world empire, but we would certainly not store a whole building materials used cremna as a salutary end that they reject. Owning at antioch christians from individual interest in new testament at this happen in paphos, on whom they were. Eternity with oil, cyprus in new testament times of each hebrew, bought figs from? After things settled down in Ephesus, Paul headed across the Aegean Sea to Macedonia. The Antioch Church Mission Bible Class. How fluent was void from Jerusalem to Antioch? Jerusalem, some heat the disciples scattered to Antioch and started preaching to the Greeks. Nisibis and further than upper northern Mesopotamian plains between Rivers Tigris and Euphrates. It power from Antioch that St. The piece these believers showed one country stood out most useful all. It may never happen to expand its own church at night an inscription found a happening in many days and three days. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Paul left Aquila and Priscilla, but calm himself went once the synagogue and debated with the Jews. Sitemap Apostle Paul Passionate Discipleship an e-mail Bible study. You did men who was a tower in galatia did not as a year teaching. If a suicide is inherent in testament church might be. Thank you some time, new times it, in harmony to. What the largest city having been one a special limited time of the future with thee for in times of sexual intimacy and those who wants us! Public Domain, copy freely.
    [Show full text]
  • Four Cities of Galatia During Paul’S Time, Galatia Was a Roman Province in Iconium Central Asia Minor, Now Known As Turkey
    Four Cities of Galatia During Paul’s time, Galatia was a Roman province in Iconium central Asia Minor, now known as Turkey. The ancient Iconium was an important city, mentioned six times name originated from the Latin “Gallia,” the land of the in the New Testament. The modern city of Konya in Gauls of western Europe. The Greeks called these people Turkey is the site of the ancient city. “Galatai.” Iconium was located in a small plain, almost 3,400 When Paul wrote the letter to the Galatians, this feet above sea level. The high Pisidian mountains lay to province was divided into two regions. The principal the west, and mountains of lesser height lay to the east. cities of the northern region were Ancyra, Pessinus, and Snow and rain provided moisture for growing wheat, Tavium. The cities of the south included Antioch (near flax, and other produce. Pisidia), Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. Paul’s letter was Coins found in excavations show the earlier Greek probably addressed to the four southern churches, the influence on Iconium after the third century B.C. Some of ones he visited on his first missionary journey. the coins show Perseus, believed to be the first ruler, ex- Paul was a native of Tarsus. The main roads leading hibiting the head of a mythological, snake-like creature. away from his hometown passed through the southern Other coins show Zeus with a scepter, and the goddess part of Galatia, which was teeming with Jews. Athena with a spear entwined by a serpent. Barnabas and Paul began their first missionary jour- Another of the discoveries includes an altar with a ney at Antioch in Syria, sailing for the island of Cyprus.
    [Show full text]
  • Turkey and Greek Islands Trip
    TURKEY AND GREEK ISLANDS JUNE 5-19, 2021 Main Trip (15 Days) JUNE 20-26 Trip Extension (22 Days) Tour Hosts: Dr. Greg A. Camp & Dr. Melanie Howard organized by TURKEY / June 8-29, 2020 Bodrum I \ ' ~~}~,,.. --- ,/ FRESNOPACIFIC UNIVERSITY Temple of Trajan, Acropolis, Pergamum June 11 FRI Pergamon (Bergama) – Thyatira – Sardis – Smyrna/Izmir Drive to Akhisar to visit the remains of the Thyatira Church. Drive to Sardis, capital of the ancient Lydia where frst coin of the world was invented. See the remains of the massive Artemis Temple. Then, continue to Izmir to see Dr. Greg A. Camp, Ph.D., Dr. Melanie Howard, Ph.D., the Smyrna Agora and its latest excavations. We will also visit the grafti Associate Dean, School of HRSS Assistant Professor & Program section which is closed to public. Dinner and overnight in Izmir. (B,D) Director, Biblical & Theological Studies June 12 SAT Izmir-Selçuk-Kusadasi Drive to Selcuk town near Ephesus to visit the Basilica of St. John. Visit pottery and rug shops. (B,D) June 13 SUN Kusadasi – Samos - Kusadasi Take the ferry to Samos, home of Pythagoras. Visit Tunnel of Eupalinos, Heraion Sanctuary, Monastery of Panagia Spiliani. June 14 MON Kusadasi-Ephesus-Kusadasi Visit the famous ancient city of Ephesus (Acts 18:19-24; 19:1-35; 20:16-17; 21:29, 1 Cor. 15:32; 16:8, I Tim. 1:3 II Tim. 1:18; 4:12, Rev. 1:11, 2:1), and its Terrace Houses, and the Ephesus Archaeological Museum. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi. (B,D) June 15 TUE Kusadasi - Priene – Miletus – Didyma - Bodrum The frst visit is to the city of Priene located on a clif-side.
    [Show full text]