Day 03 - Pisidian Antioch

Today we left Isparta and journeyed to Pisidian Antioch, walking through the remains of the Roman city. This city was literally at the crossroads of the Roman Road, of traffic coming north from Perga and the east/west route going through many of the cities in the New Testament. We know that Paul traveled to Pisidian Antioch several times during his missionary journeys, and we were able to walk along the very streets where he walked long ago.

The acropolis, the highest point of the city, had a temple to Caesar Augustus, who was worshipped as a god. There would also have been figures of many other gods in the temple, showing the clear choice that early Christians faced by choosing to follow Jesus instead of a polytheistic and inclusive religion. This structure was a clear representation of the power of Rome and the statement they wanted to make to the people, “We're here, we're above you, we have power over you.” This attitude is in direct contrast to how early believers were called to live. Instead of striving for power and pleasure, they were called to be humble and serve others out of love. 

This city was where Paul preached his first documented Gospel message in the Bible (Acts 13:13-51), speaking to Jews in a local synagogue. We were able to learn from Pastor Josh inside the very synagogue where Paul may have preached this Gospel message. It was amazing to be in the place where the Gospel began to expand in this area. Paul's message was exciting to the people and everyone wanted to hear more the next week - so much that “almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord”. (Acts 13:44) Paul soon faced persecution by the local Jewish leaders and was forced out of the city, yet he was filled with joy over what God had done. Through this we see that God only wants our obedience and will work out His perfect plan, despite earthly difficulties. 

We learned today that God is for us and has done all that is needed for our salvation. We need to trust God despite our circumstances and not try to limit Him through our thoughts and actions. God calls us to trust and follow Him, and we saw today how God used the faith of a few missionaries to change an empire and eventually the world.