Greece
EXPERIENCE PAUL’S GREECE
You do not have to imagine what it was like to walk through the ancient lands of Greece as Paul, you can experience it! Take an unforgettable journey to Greece and discover firsthand the sights, sounds, and feelings that Paul may have had as he established the early church on his missionary journeys to Europe. As you walk where Paul walked, you will be awed at the beauty of this country and inspired to continue accomplishing your own work here on earth.
Whether you are looking for a religious tour, historical venture or classical journey, we can broaden your knowledge of our world! Click here to explore group tours that are available to join. If you are looking for ideas to customize your own group tour, click here for sample itineraries. Fill out our contact form if you have any questions or would like more information about creating your own group tour.
Discover an Ancient Civilization & Culture
The beauty of Greece combined with its biblical history and thousands of years of ancient culture make it an unforgettable destination. Embark on the journey of a lifetime walking in the footsteps of Paul throughout the places he visited, taught, established Christian communities, trained Christian leaders, and continued to disciple them through letters from afar.
A cruise on the Mediterranean is the best way to see the iconic Greek islands of unparalleled beauty, sailing on glistening waters to experience stunning landscapes, legendary ancient cities, and breathtaking islands.
Whether your journey begins in Athens, where Paul preached the Word of God until he was rushed out of the city, or in Thessaloniki where he established the church to whom he wrote the letters of 1 & 2 Thessalonians, the New Testament is woven throughout the entire country and beyond. You will leave with cherished memories and new insight into the life and work of Paul. You’ll never be the same!
HISTORY OF GREECE
Saul of Tarsus was originally a Pharisee commissioned to stop the growing movement of Jesus-followers. Few would have dreamed he would eventually become Paul – apostle to the Gentiles, church planter, writer of almost a third of the New Testament, and the most important person aside from Jesus in the development of Christianity.
Paul arrived in Jerusalem after the events of Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. Zealous for the purity of Judaism, Paul was commissioned to find and destroy the developing communities of followers of Jesus. On one such journey between A.D. 31-36 on his way to Damascus in Syria, Paul experienced a vision of the resurrected Jesus. Acts 9:3-6 states,
As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
This experience changed the direction of Paul’s life. His name was changed from Saul to Paul and he was convinced that Jesus truly was the long-awaited Christ. Acts 9 continues:
“Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, ‘Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?’ Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.”
It was under Paul’s leadership that Christianity spread throughout the Mediterranean as he planted Christian communities throughout Turkey and Greece. He also wrote various letters to these churches, many of which are included in the New Testament. The theology that Paul preached and wrote is the essence of Christianity as it is known today. Paul’s ministry included preaching God’s love for humanity, teaching about the Kingdom of God, the practice of miracles, and exemplifying how to follow God. His main emphasis was on faith in the death, resurrection, and lordship of Jesus Christ.
Jesus died a sacrificial death that was completely sufficient for all time and for all people. There was no longer any need for the Jewish sacrificial system to make one right with God. All that is required is to put one’s faith in Christ. For Gentiles, Paul explained that they did not need to conform to Jewish Law before following Jesus. Instead, they needed to recognize that all people fall short of God’s expectations and are separated from God due to their sin. They can receive forgiveness and eternal life only by choosing to believe and follow Jesus as their one and only Lord.
