Day 06 - Beth Shean, Mt. Carmel, Caesarea Maritima

After our final bungalow breakfast in Galilee, we began our day with a brisk morning hike in Beth She’an in the Decapolis. We imagined what the young disciples would have been thinking as we journeyed along what would have been a heavily traveled route in biblical times.

We surveyed the impressive Roman city from above. Seeing the opulence displayed there, it’s easy to see how the way Roman life enticed those away from a selfless life and towards a self-serving existence. This excavated site has been substantially restored, revealing a theater, bathing pools, columned shopping areas, and latrines. For educational purposes Pastor Eric graciously acted out what went on there for us.

The next stop was a peaceful monastery atop Mt. Carmel, where Elijah showed his faithfulness against the priests of Baal. We had some quiet time to reflect in prayer in the gardens and overlooking the holy land from above.

Last stop was in Cessarea Maritima, an ancient Roman coastal port on the Mediterranean. Essentially a homemade harbor with surrounding buildings and city structures, this place held Paul whilst he was in prison. Cornelius, the Roman centurion, met Peter here as well.

Off to Jerusalem!