Follow the Lamb: in the Footsteps of John & Paul
A travel course hosted by Regent College, open to all.
June 14-29, 2024
Led by Professor Paul Spilsbury and Pastor Bronwyn Spilsbury
As we explore the New Testament world of the Book of Acts, the letters of Paul, and the book of Revelation, we will listen anew for the Voice calling us to “Follow the Lamb wherever he goes.” We will trace the travels of John and Paul to the ancient cities and islands of Greece and Asia Minor (Turkey), and as we take in the rugged beauty of this majestic land we will dive into the depths of what the Spirit was doing then and is doing now. For as they followed his Voice then, so we continue to do now.
The Seven Churches of Revelation and the World of Acts
The journey starts in magnificent Istanbul, with Haggia Sophia, the blue mosque, grand bazaar and a river cruise. We journey to ethereal Cappadocia where we see frescoes in ancient cave churches (also an optional hot air balloon ride!) We will visit the locations of the churches of Revelation, with excellent teaching throughout.
For example, Ephesus is where locals chanted praise to goddess Diana and tried to kill Paul. We walk its ancient streets, see where Paul taught, and hear the magnificent words he wrote to the Ephesian church.
Laodicea is where the water ran lukewarm – it’s generous and magnificent site. Smyrna is the modern city of Ismir, a fascinating place. We’ll explore how those 7 churches reflect our experience in the world and church.
Some may end their pilgrimage as we conclude our time in Turkiye, and continue on to their own destination.
Most will continue to Follow the Lamb into mainland Greece, with a flight into Athens (included). Here we’ll explore Corinth, where Paul lived and taught for 18 months. Then be guided in Athens, stopping at Mars Hill where Paul taught philosophers about the “unknown god.” We open Scripture, pray, and understand more deeply.
We will fly to Thessalonica so we can visit the far northern parts of Greece, where Paul established beloved churches, including Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea and more. You remember the letters to Philippians, Thessalonians, and the Bereans “who received the word gladly”? This is where they were.
We will also be privileged to visit Meteora and understand more of the monastic heritage of the church at this UNESCO world heritage site. Here, monasteries built on tall mountains seem suspended between earth and the sky. A picture of the witness of those who serve and pray there.
On we’ll go to tour Delphi, where ancient Greeks hoped to hear divine wisdom for their future.
At every location we will hear expert contextual, Biblical teaching. We will experience history, Scripture, and beauty. Come to be enriched, informed, transformed!
A Josephus scholar and New Testament Professor, Dr. Paul Spilsbury’s expertise is Christian origins and the earliest Church writings – exactly what this journey is all about. Paul is Academic Dean and Professor of New Testament at Regent College. He led this journey for Regent College in 2022, and it’s back by popular acclaim!
Pastor Bronwyn Spilsbury applies themes of Scripture to life and leads the group to wisdom, depth, fellowship and fun. An experienced Pilgrimage Director, she takes care of the details, so you can relax, experience and enjoy.
For maximum benefit, we encourage travellers to take the journey as a course for Regent College credit, as an option.
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