Please contact
Professor David Aune
for more information
Ashland University
March 4 - 13, 2011
-2011-

March 4 - 13
REL3SG: Footsteps of Paul in Greece

Students will explore the literary, social, and cultural world of early Christianity by reading the writings and following the travels of the apostle Paul throughout Greece. Special attention will be paid to locations that Paul visited during his 2nd missionary journey as recorded in Acts. These will be studied in conjunction with Pauline letters written to early Christian communities in Thessalonica, Philippi, and Corinth. Three hours of academic credit available; IPR and Core Humanities (pending).

For enrollment contact: Dr. David Aune
Course Leaders:

DAVID C. Aune
Assistant Professor of Religion
B.A., University of Vermont; M.Div., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; Th.M., Regent College; Ph.D., Brown University
daune@ashland.edu

DAVID SPARKS
President, Greek Center for Biblical Studies;
Adjunct Professor, Taylor University
B.A., Wheaton College; M.Div., Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; D.Min., Drew University
www.DSparks53@aol.com
Itinerary

Day 1 & 2 Depart US, Arrive Thessaloniki, Greece

Day 3  Thessaloniki

Cultural Orientation and Introduction to the life of the Apostle Paul.  Basic Greek Language Lesson. Tour of Thessaloniki including the following sites: White Tower, Arch of Galerius, St. Demetrios Orthodox Church, Roman Forum. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4  Philippi

Following breakfast we depart for Philippi.  We visit the port of Philippi, the biblical city of Neapolis (today called Kavala) and tour the port and mosaic of Paul before venturing on to Philippi.  At Philippi we visit the site of Lydia’s baptism followed by a tour of the archaeological site: Bema, Forum, Basilicas, Theater, City Walls, and traditional location of Paul’s imprisonment.  Return to Thessaloniki for dinner and overnight. 

Day 5  Berea/Vergina

After breakfast we travel to Vergina, site of the Royal Tombs and Palace of Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great.  We explore the museum and the Macedonian Tombs with their priceless artifacts, wall paintings, and edifices.  We continue our travel to Berea to see the Rostrum of Paul and the Jewish Quarter with its Synagogue.  Our emphasis is upon Paul and his Synagogue Sermon (Acts 13).  The afternoon allows us time for a hike on the Mt. Olympus range.  Dinner and overnight in Thessaloniki.

Day 6  Meteora

Departing Thessaloniki we travel to Thessaly and central Greece.  We visit the monasteries of Meteora perched high atop towering rock formations.  We are introduced to Eastern Orthodoxy with an orientation to basic doctrine, beliefs, and practices. During the afternoon we continue to Delphi for dinner & overnight.

Day 7  Delphi/Athens

This morning we visit the Museum of Delphi with its famous Charioteer.  We then hike through the Sacred Precinct with its Temple of Apollo, site of the Oracle who spoke for the gods.  Following lunch we continue to Athens for dinner and overnight.   

Day 8  Athens

Our tour of Athens includes a visit to the Acropolis, Parthenon, Erectheion, Temple of Athena Nike, Propylia, and Acropolis Museum.  We also visit the Areopagus (Mar’s Hill) and examine the sermon of Paul to the Athenians.  We visit the Agora museum.  The afternoon brings us into the Plaka for a walking orientation of this historic district plus Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Temple of Zeus, and Hadrian’s Arch.  Dinner and overnight in Athens.

Day 9  Corinth

Crossing the Isthmian Canal we visit ancient Corinth where we see the Temple of Apollo, agora, bema, Peirene Fountain, and Stoa.  While in the agora we celebrate the Lord’s Supper (I Corinthians 11) and spend time in worship.  We also examine Paul’s cultural context of life in the urban centers of the Roman world.  This evening we offer our concluding remarks on the significance of the ministry of the Apostle Paul.  Closing dinner and overnight in Athens.

Day 10Depart