Paul and his companions set out from Troas and sailed across to the island of Samothrace, and on to Neapolis the next day. Paul landed on the European mainland for the first time in 51AD. Paul travelled inland along the Via Egnatia to Philippi where he first preached the Gospel. Paul and Silas continued their preaching in Thessalonica and Berea. Paul alone left for Athens where he preached in the synagogue and discussed with the Greek philosophers in the ancient agora. Paul moved on to Corinth where he lived and worked with Aquila and his wife Priscilla. During the 3^rd Missionary Journey, Paul and Timothy made Ephesus their base for three years. The places that Paul visited are still existing as well as his message.

Kavala (Ancient Neapolis)

During Paul’s day, Neapolis (meaning ‘the new city’) was a prosperous port serving the city of Philippi. Today, Kavala is a beautiful and historic town built amphitheatrically along the length of the sea. It boasts a unique character combining the modern contemporary buildings on the west side of the city to the traditional old houses of the eastern side. You can still stroll along the busy harbourfront with its countless fishing caciques moored along the waterfront or relax at nearby bustling harbourfront eateries.

Philippi

Philippi was valued in antiquity for its nearby gold mines. The city prospered in the Roman imperial era and after a visit from Paul, became an important centre of early Christianity. Philippi continued to flourish as a major Byzantine city.

Today, you can still walk on the original route of the stone-paved Via Egnatia, stroll across the remains of the Roman forum, see the remains of the two Basilicas and sit in the Roman theatre. You can see the traditional site of Paul’s prison which is an old water cistern that was transformed into a small church. Neaby is the unique octagonal Baptistery of St Lydia, built beside the River Zygaktis. In the book of Acts, Paul and Silas went to the riverbank just outside the city and began to speak to the women gathered there.

Thessalonica

On reaching Thessalonica, Paul and Silas preached in the Jewish synagogue on three consecutive Sabbaths. Not surprisingly, this caused a turmoil among some of the Jews. Once again, Paul and Silas were forced to escape from Thessalonica in the night.

Thessaloniki is now the second largest city in Greece full of life and vibrancy. When you climb up to the Byzantine walls, you see a sprawling city with the old and new coexisting wonderfully. You cannot miss the White Tower, the former prison, standing along the beach promenade. You can see several monuments including the impressive circular Rotunda, the famous Arch of Galerius, and the restored ancient amphitheatre, an arched street and a marketplace at the Roman Forum.

Veria (Ancient Berea)

In Paul’s day, Berea was a prosperous Roman city with a large Jewish community. Today, the modern Saint Paul’s Tribune (“Bema”) features two modern mosaics – one depicting the vision of a man from Macedonia and the other showing Paul preaching to the citizens of Berea. The mosaics are located at the top of Paul’s steps where it is believed that Paul addressed the crowd.

Athens

Athens, capital and largest city of Greece, is a city full of colours and surprises with elements of ancient glory. Monuments of all historical periods are spread around the town, from ancient times to modern era. Do not miss the Acropolis standing on the highest spot of the city. Just below the Acropolis is the Areopagus where Paul delivered his famous speech about the identity of “the Unknown God” as recorded in Acts 17. Other city highlights include the impressive Hadrian Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium and the imposing Hellenic Parliament House at the east side of Syntagma Square. Admire the neoclassical architecture as you walk through Plaka and the multicoloured Monastiraki with its flea market.

Corinth

Stop by the famous Isthmus that connects the mainland of Greece with the Peloponnese Peninsula. The Isthmus is 6.5km wide and the Corinth Canal is constructed at the narrow point of the Isthmus. Here is where the Aegean meets the Ionian Sea.

The ancient town of Corinth was one of the richest towns in Ancient Greece where Paul lived and preached for two years. You can see the ruins of various buildings including the Agora, the 6th century Temple of Apollo, baths and a basilica. The Corinth Archaeological Museum provides a comprehensive view of finds from the archaeological site.

Ephesus

Kusadasi (which means “bird island”) is a lively resort town in the Aegean region of Turkey. It is the coastal gateway to Ephesus.

Paul and Timothy lived in Ephesus for three years. They stayed in the home of Aquila and Priscilla. Paul preached in the Jewish synagogue in Ephesus but when some of the Jews began to criticise, Paul abandoned the synagogue and moved to the Lecture Hall of Tyrannus. Ephesus had many pagan temples, the most important of which was the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of Ephesus. See the marble latrines of the ancient public toilets. Sit in the Great Theater that could 25,000 spectators, possibly the largest outdoor theatre in the ancient world. Follow the Priest’s Way to the celebrated façade of the Library of Celsus.

The House of the Virgin in Selcuk

Tradition says that the House of the Virgin Mary is where Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final days of her life. The small stone building consisted of a bedroom and a kitchen. Currently, the restored house serves as a chapel.

The Basilica of Saint John in Selcuk

It is believed that John spent his last years in the area and he was buried on Ayasuluk Hill. The once-great basilica was built by Emperor Justinian I in the 6^th century. It stands over the traditional burial site of John. It is an atmospheric site with excellent hilltop view.

Greece should be in every traveller’s wish list. The country is the perfect place for an enjoyable holiday. Greece is famous for its beautiful landscape, long coastline with amazing beaches, sunny weather and rich history. Plus, Greece is also a significant biblical place that traces the footsteps of Paul on his journey to spread the word of God.

Paul’s missionary journeys changed the world, and when you, too, follow In the Footsteps of Paul, you will see the New Testament coming alive in a whole new way!

See the ancient marketplaces of Thessaloniki and Philippi, explore the archaeological ruins at Delphi, stand on the spot in Berea where Paul preached, take in the awe-inspiring views of Meteora, enjoy an exciting four-day Greek Isle cruise to Mykonos, Patmos where John wrote the Book of Revelation, Rhodes with its Crusader-era Masters Palace, Heraklion, beautiful Santorini, a stop in Kusadasi with a chance to see fascinating Ephesus, view the ruins of Corinth where Paul lived and worked with Priscilla and Aquila, and see the Acropolis and Mars Hill where Paul stood to deliver his famous Areopagus sermon about the ‘Unknown God’.

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Greece, also known as the cradle of Western civilisation (where democracy, Western philosophy and literature, major scientific and mathematic principles, among others were birthed), is more than just a beautiful scenic country often portrayed in shades of pristine white and blue.

Greece is also home to the noteworthy route that Apostle Paul took to spread the message of Christ in a time when polytheism (worship of multiple deities) was practised. During his missionary journey in Greece, Paul preached the news of Jesus in many coastal cities and trade route towns, including Samothrace, Kavala (Neapoli), Philippi, Amphipolis-Apollonia, Thessaloniki, Veria, Athens, and Corinth.

Paul’s missionary journeys and experiences are recorded in the New Testament through the books of Acts and his letters to the churches. The purpose of all Paul’s missionary journeys was the same: proclaiming God’s grace in forgiving sin through Christ.

Join us on the biblical Greece and Aegean Cruise in March 2020. This tour offers you a great combination of pilgrimage and sightseeing in some of the most spectacular places in Greece.

Philippi

Philippi was the first European city in which Paul preached. Lydia, a merchant from Thyatira, became the first convert in Europe (Acts 16:13-15).

Thessalonica

On reaching Thessalonica, Paul and Silas went about preaching in the Jewish synagogue on three consecutive Sabbaths but some of the Jews became jealous. They gathered scoundrels from the agora and caused a riot. Paul and Silas were forced to escape from Thessalonica (Acts 17:2-9).

Athens

Paul made a famous speech to reason with the Athenians who had erected an altar with the inscription “to an unknown God” at the Areopagus (Mars Hill) as chronicled in Acts 17:15-34.

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Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world today, with more than 200 inhabited islands, a plethora of rich historic sites, picturesque beaches and monumental mountain ranges. Located at the intersection of Europe, Asia and Africa, Greece sits on the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula, sharing land borders with Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey.

Boasting the longest coastline in the Mediterranean Basin and the 11^th longest coastline in the world at 13,676km, mainland Greece is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, the Cretan Sea, the Ionian Sea and the Aegean Sea – the last of which can be explored via an Aegean cruise to some impressive destinations in Greece, including Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, and Santorini, among others.

Aboard the Aegean cruise, you can experience the beauty of Greece on a journey like no other. Exploring Greece via the Aegean Sea is a classic experience of discovery for those encountering Greece’s beauty for the first time: cruise along endless blue waters seeing swaying windmills and striking cliffs and greet legendary ancient cities at every port.

One noteworthy journey is the one to Santorini, so don’t forget to take in the picturesque landscapes, sunsets and crystal blue waters in between photographs while you’re there. While in the capital of Santorini, Fira, bask in the panoramic views of the island’s dormant volcano and soak up the magnificent sunsets as you go on an adventurous hunt for the mythical lost city of Atlantis. Furthermore, in just a mere 11km away, find an oasis of beauty and calm amidst the traditional whitewashed houses and history-rich blue-domed churches in the village of Oia.

Join us on the biblical Greece and Aegean Cruise in March 2020. This tour offers you a great combination of pilgrimage and sightseeing in some of the most spectacular places in Greece.

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Thessaloniki

Preaching Christ at Thessalonica

Acts 17:1-3, NKJV
“Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. Then Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ.””

During Paul’s second missionary Journey, he visited Thessalonica with Timothy and Silas. For three consecutive Sabbaths, he visited a Jewish synagogue to preach about Jesus Christ. Many believed what he said but certain Jews who were envious of the Gospel formed a mob and started a riot. The riotous crowd went to the house of Jason seeking Paul and Silas but they were not found. Instead they dragged Jason and some brethren to the city magistrate and accused them of wrongdoing. However, after a short while, the rulers of the city let them go.

Paul and Silas were soon sent by the brethren out of the city to Berea, about 72km to the west of Thessalonica.

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Berea

Ministering at Berea

Acts 17:10-11, NKJV
“Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”

When the news of Paul and Silas preaching in the synagogue reached the Jews in Thessalonica, they came to Berea to stir up the crowds. Immediately the brethren sent Paul away, to go to the sea and brought him to Athens.

Read part 1 and part 3 here!

April 22-29, 2016

Scripture references: Exodus 12:15-20

Exodus 12:17, NIV
“Celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because it was on this very day that I brought your divisions out of Egypt. Celebrate this day as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come.”

Today, Jewish families all over the world eat only unleavened bread during Passover and the seven days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This feast commemorates the unleavened bread that the Israelites took with them when they were freed from bondage in Egypt. They had to flee so quickly that there was no time to let their bread rise.

During the days before Passover, their homes are cleaned to remove any trace of leaven so as not to cause defilement during the feast. Leaven is often used as a symbol for sin in the Scriptures, so its removal from the home is symbolic of purification from sin.

Matzah, the unleavened bread used during this feast, is pierced and striped — a perfect symbol of Jesus on the tree.

Today in Israel, there is a seven-day holiday for the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

Deuteronomy 16:3, NIV
“Do not eat it with bread made with yeast, but for seven days eat unleavened bread, the bread of affliction, because you left Egypt in haste–so that all the days of your life you may remember the time of your departure from Egypt.”

Passover or Pesach is a widely observed Jewish holiday commemorating the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. It also celebrates the story of the Exodus and the birth of the Jewish nation after being freed by God from captivity under the leadership of Moses. Passover commences on the 15^th of the Hebrew month of Nisan and lasts for eight days: in 2019, from the evening of Friday, 19^th April to the evening of Saturday, 27^th April.

Spread over the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, the story of the Exodus tells of the enslavement of the children of Israel in Egypt, and how God helped the children of Israel escape from their slavery in Egypt by inflicting ten plagues upon the Egyptians, before the Pharaoh released his Israelite slaves.

In the story, the Israelites were instructed to mark the door frames of their homes with the blood of a slaughtered spring lamb, so that the angel of death would know to pass over those Hebrew households, thus saving the firstborns in these homes. The tenth and worst of the plagues slain every Egyptian firstborn, and terrified of further punishment, the Egyptians convinced their leader to release the Israelites and Moses quickly led them out of Egypt. However, the pharaoh changed his mind soon after and sent his soldiers after them. As the Egyptian army caught up to the fleeing Hebrew people at the edge of the Red Sea, God performed a miracle by parting the Red Sea for Moses and his people to cross to safety, then closed the passage and drowned the Egyptians.

Jews observe this festive week with several important rituals, including a traditional Passover meal, the removal of leavened products from their home and substitution of matzo for bread, and the retelling of the Exodus story. When the Pharaoh released the Israelites, it was that they left in such haste that they could not wait for bread dough to rise or leaven. Thus, in commemoration of this, the Passover is also called the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the Torah, where only Matzo (flat unleavened bread) is consumed during this celebration. As a tourist in Israel today, you can experience a traditional Passover meal at the Yad Hashmona Biblical Garden.

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As the weather warms up, there are plenty of orchards and flowers in bloom. See the variety of flowers scattered around the nation, colouring the fields and gardens in red, purple, yellow and white tiny dots.

The Via Dolorosa, or “Way of Suffering” in Latin, is a processional route in the Old City of Jerusalem. The route is established by tradition and widely recognised as the path that Jesus would have walked while on His way to the crucifixion. Over the centuries, the route has changed several times. The original street level where Jesus would have walked is about 6 metres below today’s street level. There are fourteen stations along the Via Dolorosa route, with five stations inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The route begins at the Praetorium where Jesus was tried and convicted, near the Lions’ Gate in the Muslim Quarter and ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter. It travels through busy streets lined with snack bars and tourist shops.

Some historical points of interest include the reconstructed Ecce Homo Arch of the Sisters of Our Lady of Zion, and underneath that convent are stone pavings of The Lithostratos or “The Pavement”, where Jesus was condemned by Pilate (John 19:13–15). The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a fascinating complex of structures of different medieval architectural history. The Church is always packed with noisy tourists and pilgrims, all drawn to pay homage to their Saviour, Jesus Christ.

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Purim is a Jewish holiday that commemorates the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman, who was planning to kill all Jews. This event took place in the ancient Achaemenid Persian Empire and was recorded in the Book of Esther. It is celebrated annually per the Hebrew calendar on the 14^th day of the Hebrew month Adar. Purim 2019 will begin in the evening of Wednesday, 20^th March and will conclude in the evening of Thursday, 21^th March.

As recorded in the Book of Esther, after the destruction of Judah, the Jews were held in captivity by the Babylonian Empire. When the Persians conquered Babylonia, Haman, adviser to Persian King Ahasuerus, plotted to “destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, infants and women and children—on a single day” (Esther 3:13 NIV), but was ultimately defeated by Mordecai and Ahasuerus’ newly crowned queen, Esther. Purim, which directly translates to “lots”, refers to Haman selecting the massacre date of the Jews by throwing and drawing lots.

This Jewish holiday is observed and celebrated with the reading of the Megillah (Book of Esther) in the synagogue; donating monetary gifts to the poor; exchanging reciprocal gifts of food and drink; and se’udat Purim, a festive celebratory meal with wine and alcoholic beverages. Other celebrations include street parades and carnivals, people dress up in costumes and wear masks symbolizing Esther’s concealed identity.

Celebrating Purim in Israel

Furthermore, at Purim, Jewish treat themselves with hamantaschen, which are triangle-shaped pocket pastries commonly filled with fruit jam, cheese or poppy seeds, and claimed to be named after Haman, as he wore a hat with three corners.

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Praise the Lord for a wonderful time in Israel over the past 2 weeks! About 1300 participants from all over the world came to Israel for Grace 2016 TBN Israel Tour with Pastor Joseph Prince.

There were 3 live events with Pastor Joseph Prince where he shared the gospel of grace.

24 February 2016 – 1st event at Southern Steps, Jerusalem

Southern Steps is the flight of stairs that led to the main entrances of the Temple Mount. It is certain that Jesus had to climb these steps to enter the Temple. This is also probably the place where the 3,000 were baptised when they were saved on Pentecost.

It was actually raining in Jerusalem a few days before the event, but look at the clear blue sky! How faithful is our Lord Jesus that He knows the desires of our hearts!

Pointing to the one that deserves all the praise and worship.

John 1:17 (NIV) – “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

26 February 2016 – 2nd event at Tzemach Beach by the Sea of Galilee, Tiberias

Here, at the Sea of Galilee was where Jesus rebuked the winds and the sea, taught from Peter’s boat, and walked on water. It is also the lowest freshwater lake in the world!

Matt & Laurie Crouch welcoming the crowd! We are thankful for the both of them and the TBN team for organizing this event where we get to listen to the gospel of grace by the Sea of Galilee.

Here, Pastor Joseph Prince shared the secret of John and that is to lean on Jesus’s love for us and not to depend on our love for Him.

New Creation Worship led the people into praise & worship, singing songs about the Lord’s love and grace for us.

There is freedom in the house of God for He has turned our mourning into dancing!

“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!” Psalm 30:11-12 (NLT)

28 February 2016 – 3rd event at Caesarea Maritima, Caesarea

Caesarea Maritima is where Peter preached the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ to Cornelius’ household, placing them among the earliest Gentile believers of the New Covenant. This paved the way for Christianity to spread to all nations.

Welcoming the participants from all over the world!

Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the beautiful sunset!

At the last session of Grace 2016 TBN Israel Tour, Pastor Joseph Prince shared about the high priest’s garment.

To catch these events, TBN will be broadcasting them at the following timings (Pacific Time):

Session 1 – Feb 28, 7 pm PT

Session 2 – Mar 13, 7 pm PT

Session 3 – Mar 20, 7 pm PT

For those who have missed session 1, you may catch the replay at iTBN archives – http://bit.ly/G16TBN1

Elevated over 350m above sea level, at the southwestern base of Mount Hermon, lies the ancient Greco-Roman city called Caesarea Philippi which became the religious centre for worship of the Greek god, Pan. The Greeks named the city Panias in his honour.

The region of Caesarea Philippi was the furthest north Jesus took His disciples. It is believed that near Caesarea Philippi, Jesus declared that He would establish a church, and gave authority over it to Simon whom He renamed Peter.

Just 6km west of Caesarea Philippi is Tel Dan, now a nature reserve with a remarkable archaeological site that is home to extraordinary remains of Canaanite and Israelite cities. During the Canaanite period, this city, known then as Laish, expanded and grew into a large Canaanite city – it was strategically located at the intersection of major ancient trade routes. Furthermore, during biblical times, many families from the tribe of Dan were forced out of their home by the Philistines, and thus relocated to the area near Laish, on the foothills of Mount Hermon, for its fertile valley and abundance of water.

This city was destroyed and rebuilt 20 times over 3,500 years, but underwent the most extensive damage during the defeat of the Kingdom of Israel by the Assyrian Empire in 722 BCE, and was never fully reconstructed to its former size and prominence.

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Sitting in Northern Israel, between the Golan Heights and the Galilee region, is the Sea of Galilee. Known locally as Lake Kinneret, the Sea of Galilee is the lowest freshwater lake on earth, spanning approximately 21km long and 13km wide and resembling the shape of an ancient lyre. The Sea of Galilee is not only Israel’s main water source but it also boasts an amazing surroundings of mountains and beaches.

The area around the Kinneret is an important and relevant site in Jesus’ ministry – He walked on the water of the Sea of Galilee, He taught the crowds by the shore, He delivered the Sermon on the Mount, He healed the sick and He fed 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fishes.

Today, you can take a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. But what you may find more historically significant are the remains of a small fishing boat, alike Peter’s boat. During a drought in 1986, two brothers from a kibbutz discovered this relic, and this Ancient Galilee Boat is now currently on display in the Yigal Alon Center. There, you can learn more about how the boat was moved from the wet land to dry land, or take the exit at the back of the museum and embark on a boat ride of a lifetime.

While in the area, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Capernaum, with its spectacular ruins of a first century synagogue (built over a pre-existing synagogue from the time of Jesus) and the home of Peter. Take a seat on stone benches or walk around the hometown of Jesus, where He performed many miracles, and don’t forget to take in the beauty of the sea whilst at the shoreline of Capernaum.

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