Monday morning we got off at the port of Kusadasi, named the gateway to Ephesus.
The tour bus took us to this ancient city and we walked the marble street
people walked on a few thousand years ago.
A tour guide had our group wearing mics so that we could follow her
as we joined the throngs of people exploring a city once lost underground from earthquakes.
In fact, much of what we see there today has been unearthed and pieced together.
The work on this is ongoing.
The sheer detail these ancient artists and craftsmen went to is mind boggling.
All around us were random pieces, some of which . . .
such as the Nike goddess of victory . . .
were explained by our tour guide.
I also finally understood why the headless statues.
Earthquakes and decapitation during war explain a lot.
The old library is situated at the end of the street.
We turned right under an archway that led us to what used to be the public marketplace.
It was a bare center with posts along the side where vendors would have sold their wares.
Here we were reminded of the silversmiths who played a big part in the business of selling idols.
I came back from the tour and looked at the account in Acts 19 where a great riot began when the apostle Paul opposed the worship of man made gods.
It was in this this outdoor theater that Paul addressed the people,
preaching salvation in Jesus Christ.
preaching salvation in Jesus Christ.
A Christian church began, but not without Paul being imprisoned and eventually sent out of the city.
I wonder if I'll ever read his letter to the Ephesian church again, without remembering this scene
and realizing why Paul was so encouraged about their growth after he was gone.
For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him. Ephesians 1: 15-17
11 comments:
What a wonderful post about Ephesus. I too was so impressed by the artistry and ingenuity of these people. It was one of the more memorable stops on our Eastern Mediterranean cruise.
Thank you for this post, Anneliese. How amazing to walk the streets that Paul walked, to see where he taught. Wow!
Oooh - this makes me want to be there too!
Wow and wow. How amazing to walk these streets and see these ruins. That carving detail just boggles my mind. So beautiful!
Thank you Anneliese. I've enjoyed my little armchair trip immensely.
Sharon
Those are amazing photos you took. I am sure you guys will always read the biblical accounts that happened there with new interest and a visual that will give them so much more interest and understanding.
I think you must be taking the same cruise my boss took. He loved it and didn't want to come home!!
I am so grateful that I can go on this trip with you! It is so INTERESTING! Really, everything about these posts, cause me to go back and read the Biblical accounts. I can almost hear the Apostle Paul as he addresses the crowds. The architecture is amazing! Great pictures!
To walk where Paul walked, lived and preached to the Ephesians is such a gift that words cannot express. Thankyou for your photos and captions.
Helen
I am so enjoying revisiting all of our favourite places with you ....
So beautiful! We felt like we were walking on Holy Ground when we were there. It's so amazing to realize how ancient this place is and how it relates to the written Word!
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