Day 12 in Greece (Corinth) and Trip Home
Well, it took me a little bit to get this final post out to everyone. Our final day was a busy day and by the time I got back to the hotel and ready for traveling I was exhausted. So, I decided not to write that evening. So, here we are.
Our final day in Greece was pretty full. We headed from Athens into the ancient city of Corinth. The first thing we did in Corinth was to head to the AcroCorinth. I've mentioned in other posts about ancient cities have an Acropolis. Acro- simply means high or edge (think acrobat) and polis- means city. So, and acropolis is the high part of the city, often at the peak of a nearby mountain. We not only went to the AcroCorinth, but we hiked to the top of it. It was a wonderful hike and an amazing view from the top. From the pinnacle we got an amazing view of the nearby isthmus, connecting mainland Greece to the Peloponnese.
After the hike, we visited the ancient site of Corinth. We were able to see that Agora (marketplace) that had one side lined with five different temples to various gods. We were also able to see the Bema in the Agora. A Bema is simply a platform. If there was a Bema in an Agora it was typically used for official declarations and such. The Bema in Corinth is of interest because it is mentioned in Acts. It says, "12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the tribunal (Bema), 13 saying, “This man is persuading people to worship God contrary to the law.” 14 But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, I would have reason to accept your complaint. 15 But since it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourselves. I refuse to be a judge of these things.” 16 And he drove them from the tribunal (Bema). 17 And they all seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio paid no attention to any of this" (Ac 18:12–17). So, this was the place they drug Paul when they brought a charge against him in Corinth. It adds some more nuance to the story to realize that this took place in the middle of the Agora, with people all around, looking on to what was happening.
From the Agora, we went to Cenchreae. This is one of the port cities on the East side of the isthmus. We could still see some of the ruins in the water from the ancient port. This is where Paul sailed out from Corinth on his way back from his second missionary journey. In Acts it says, "18 After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow" (Ac 18:18). Paul also mentions this city in his letter to the Romans. In his final greetings he says, "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae" (Ro 16:1). So, we know there was a church in Cenchreae.
Then, after driving a little over an hour back to the hotel, we had supper and got everything ready for a full day of travel. And it was definitely a long day of travel. We left the hotel at 7am Tuesday morning in Greece (which is 11pm Monday night in Minnesota) and I finally arrived at home around 1am Wednesday morning in Minnesota. So, it was 26 hours of traveling. Thankfully, everything went very smoothly for us. All of our flights were on time and were smooth sailing.
So, once again, I thank everyone for their prayers during this trip. I could definitely feel them and could see God's hand working repeatedly throughout the trip. I also ask for your prayers as my body adjusts to the 8 hour time change. I'm definitely feeling the jet lag. So, asking for prayers for energy when I need it and sleep when I need it. I will be leading Ignite tonight, which will probably begin around the time I'll be crashing this evening. We also have the Wild Game Feed coming up on Saturday (from 6-8pm) which always takes a lot of energy. So, continued prayers would be much appreciated.
It was a very good trip and I look forward to sharing many of my pictures with you and some more of my experiences as well. I'm not sure when I'll be doing the presentation. It will take me some time to get it all put together and then we'll have to talk scheduling at church. I will make sure to let all of you know as soon as I know the date and time.
I'm also very, very thankful to be home. It was great to wake up this morning and see my girls again. God continues to bless me much more than I deserve. May he receive the Glory!