Day 05 - Smyrna, St. John's Basilica

Today’s first bus stop was unique. It began with an hour (plus) bus ride with views of hills touching the water, then miles of fields and trees, then into a bustling city: Smyrna. 

The city had the appearance of somewhat familiar big cities with many tall buildings, shops, restaurants, and apartment homes in the mix. While taking in the exciting sights of city life, the bus stopped at our first destination. Yes, the precious Agora of Smyrna is located right in the middle of the city!

The Agora of Smyrna: 

The Agora of Smyrna was the administrative, judicial, and commercial center of the ancient city, covered a rectangular area in the center of the thriving port city. 

Today, the Agora has renewed and repaired porticos and a Basilica. 

After the Agora was abandoned, it would turn into a cemetery. Large commercial spaces and workshops would then emerge around the cemetery.

Arched and vaulted basements on the sides of the Agora created a Stoa and open, columned galleries (called a Portico) gave the people protection from the weather and elements.

And it was such a special experience walking through the bottom floor of the Agora where we stepped through the maze of arches. This ancient waterway served as a cistern which connected and directed the Port District’s water passing through the Basilica and to the neighborhoods. Today, we watched as the water still flows - not in the same quantity, no doubt, but watching the water flowing in the tunnel reminds us of the importance of the Agora’s water system and water movement to the city. 

Devotional Message from Pastor Anthony:

Today’s devotional was appropriately referencing John’s letter to Smyrna in Revelation 2:8. 

This is not a letter of correction to the church. There is no “but” like in his other letters.  He was addressing the church of Smyrna whose characteristics were spiritually rich, but lived in extreme poverty. The church of Smyrna was surrounded by power, wealth, and privilege, yet they did not partake in it. These Christians were living in extreme poverty and persecuted. Paul’s letter reminds these Christians of how Jesus has redefined what wealth truly is. He let them know they will suffer for the name of Jesus and Who they stand for.  Their life will most definitely get harder in testing, tribulation, and possibly death, but Jesus says that with faithfulness to the end, He promises a crown of life. 

The word “stefanos” means “crown.”But this is not just any crown. This crown he’s referring to is specifically the crown of victory. 

Jesus has given a deeper understanding of faithfulness, conquering, death, and victory. 

Jesus is asking to follow Him. We have a greater crown in Heaven waiting for us. And this message still rings true today. 

Additional messages from Pastor Chad:

Smyrna includes the word myrrh which was used in burials. Unironically, the city of Smyrna itself had “died” and come back to life several times. It had been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout history.

Jesus tells us people can, too. 

Jesus says I see you and I know you. 

He didn’t promise this life will be without struggle, but He asks us be faithful and He will be with us to the end (and beyond!). 

St. John’s Basilica: 

Standing in the vicinity of St. John’s Basilica included views of: the city of Ephesus, a stadium (very much under excavation and renovation), an ancient mosque, the Temple of Artemis, a Turkish bath, and the road leading to the Virgin Mary’s home. 

But, the entire area actually used to be surround by water. 

John is buried here and the Basilica was built on top of the place where he was buried. 

Even the layout of the basilica’s structure, from a bird’s eye view, is on the shape of a cross. Wow!!  And at one time this place was used as a monastery. 

Standing in the main corridor of the church we can see the 12 columns (symbolic of 12 disciples) that would hold domes above. 

The columns even had Christian symbols carved in them. Symbolism was everywhere! 

The bricks used inside the walls around the basilica were thin to be easy to lift and move and stack. Because the bricks were thin, the walls had many layers, which meant a LOT of cement was used thus making the walls incredibly strong. Although these bricks would not have been seen when the basilica was active because they were covered in marble plaques and wall material, I am reminded of a message I heard last year. These ancient artifacts, walls, and buildings are still standing (so to speak) because they were built to last. I ask myself often, is what I’m building on Earth today built to last? God’s Word will last forever. How can I spread God’s Word to build up the Kingdom of God so more can have eternal life?  

We walked by the treasury building before walking up to the chapel of the Basilica, where we saw a preserved painting of Paul, John, and Mary. What a sight to see!

We then moved to the room where baptisms took place, the baptismal was long to include a whole body. AND…the outline of the room itself was a symbolic Christian shape.  Amazing!

Sitting in the brick seats of the elders’ section of the basilica, we overlooked to the tomb of John. Covered and marked by more recent marble, but surrounded by original columns. 

Surrounding John’s tomb, as our devotional message came to a close, we were greeted by another touring group of women from Cameroon, West Africa, traveling to commemorate their 30 year reunion. They held hands around John’s tombstone and harmonized sweet songs aloud about John. They prayed for each other and gave glory to God. Truly, we witnessed a special gift from our sisters in Christ from around the globe. 

Moving upward to an upper level of ground, we saw the basilica from a higher view. A spectacular sight indeed!

Devotional from Pastor Chad:

When someone we love passes, we often mark the area with a piece to memorize what happened there. 

When we see ancient buildings, like this basilica, we think it was built because either people thought that something happened here, or something actually did happen here. 

We cannot be 100% sure if this was actually John’s tomb, but we can see historically the area and times where John ministered and it is likely where he was buried. 

Turkey is often thought of as very “Paul heavy.” But we don’t want to miss the significance of John’s footprint in the area. 

At a funeral, the eulogy is important. Eulogy means to speak well of. Although he didn’t die a martyr’s death, John still suffered. Throughout his life, he lost all his loved ones. He lived with the suffering of grief and loss. He suffered for Christ in a unique way. 

John had grit. And God called John to outlive all the others. 

He was the one Jesus loved; he had a special connection with Jesus. 

We read 3 John which is the last thing John wrote for in the Bible. In this letter, John shows us a bad example and a good example to follow. 

Questions to ponder…

What would your name be?  A good example?  A bad one? 

There will be a day where you, too, have a tomb and last words. How do you want to be remembered?

Additional message from Pastor Anthony:

The Gospel of John is uniquely and beautifully crafted. Artistry in literary composition. He brings the Gospel to life. 

In John’s Gospel (John 20:30-31), his purpose is clear: to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that we may have life through Jesus. 

Christ means Messiah, the anointed One, the King. 

John’s Gospel is intentionally structured. He begins with who Jesus is. He explains that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. 

And John keeps the question alive throughout his Gospel…Who is the Messiah?  

In chapter 4, after Jesus speaks with the woman at the well, she tells everyone what she heard and experienced which keeps the question alive: Who is the Messiah?

Chapter 17:3 it is written, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

Prayerfully, ask God to light a fire in your heart to spread the Gospel fearlessly and tirelessly. 

Lastly, prior to leaving the site, we walked up to the nearby historic castle. Walking the rocky path to the top of the castle, we saw gorgeous panoramic views overlooking the city. We entered a small room at the top of the castle, and we, too, sang songs in fellowship to our Lord and Savior.