What can be expected to see and do during a tour of Turkey?
This tour will include and feature all seven cities where the seven congregations were located in Asia (modern-day Turkey, see map herein). Jesus directed the apostle John to write inspired letters to the seven congregations as recorded in the Bible book of Revelation. The tour will highlight the counsel Jesus gave to these congregations and its practical and modern-day application through reenactments/readings from the Bible at the authentic sites!
In addition, your tour guides will provide geographical, historical, and archaeological background and context in connection with the activities of the first century Christian congregations in Asia, including the apostle Paul’s missionary tours. Note the scriptural quotations and the questions posed below. These and other questions will be answered on the Bible Lands Tour of Turkey.
"I know your deeds, and your labor and endurance, and that you cannot tolerate bad men, and that you put to the test those who say they are apostles, but they are not, and you found them to be liars. You are also showing endurance, and you have persevered for the sake of my name and have not grown weary. "
– Revelation 2:2,3
- Ephesus was so famous for its magical arts that ancient writers referred to its written magical formulas, scrolls and books as “Ephesian writings.”
- Demetrius the silversmith of Ephesus was part of a guild (or union) of craftsmen that had so much power and influence that they incited a riot in the city of Ephesus. Some 100 years later the bakers’ guild incited a similar riot in Ephesus.
What makes Asia or Asia Minor (sometimes called Anatolia) so important to the history of Christianity? Note the following:
- Approximately two-thirds of all the books of the Christian Greek Scriptures were written either to or from congregations/cities in Asia Minor.
- Antioch (Syria) of Asia is where the name "Christians" was first applied to the followers of Jesus Christ. (Acts 11:26)
- Jesus Christ directed the aged Apostle John to write letters to "the seven congregations that were in the district of Asia." (Revelation 1:1-4)
- Troas of Asia Minor is where the Apostle Paul received a vision of a Macedonian man inviting him to enter into Macedonia to preach; thus opening up for the very first time the preaching work in Europe. (Acts 16:9, 10)
- The Apostles Peter, Paul and John all either wrote letters or preached in Asia or Asia Minor.