Similar to what we face

This morning we explored Aphrodisias, which although not a Biblical site provides is with a lot of context for the early church. The city as you can tell by its name is dedicated to the Greek god Aphrodite to whom the Roman emperors traced their lineage. One of the focal points of this city was the sebastion, a walk way leading to the temple with 3 story high panels of marble depicting stories. The top level was panels of Greek mythology and the gods (including emperors), middle was panels of Roman history, and the bottom was no panels representing the common man. As we sat and marveled at this panels Shae challenged us to view the panels in a Biblical view in regard to Ephesians 1 and 2. Ultimately God is above all, but we are His workmanship to show his glory (Eph. 2:10). What are our panels showing to the world? What will they depict to future generations when we are gone?

In the afternoon we visited Ephesus. Due to the Biblical importance of this city there is no way I could succinctly write about all that we saw and studied. I am sure you will hear from your loved ones when they get home how this site impacted them. This site is the largest we have been to this far and it is only 15% excavated. As we walked on the streets where Paul, Timothy, the Apostle John, and other early church members lived the Bible came alive. As a thriving port city with affluence the temptations and struggles that these Christians faced are similar to what we face in the North American church. Many of the cautions and warnings to the Ephesians we pondered as we walked out of the gates of the city.

As we leave this beautiful country of Turkey tomorrow we reflect back on what we have learned this far, and look forward to the new lessons we will learn in Greece.

Written by Brenna McBrien