Biblical Sites in Turkey :
In the book of Revelation of the Bible are written messages
to seven of the most prominent churches of the Roman Province
of Asia, which are located in western Turkey. When we use the
word “ church ” we mean a group of Christians,
not a building.
Therefore
on a tour of the seven churches we are not looking for
remnants of church structures. However, a visit to the
impressive excavations of the sites of the ancient Roman
cities where these seven churches existed can be quite
fascinating, informative and moving. These sites show Marks
of the passing empires and cultures of the Greeks, Roman,
Byzantines, Selcuk Turks, Ottomans and the modern Turkish
Republic. A visitor to these ancient places find remains of
massive pagan temples, beautiful Muslim mosques, as well as
many Christian church buildings, which were of course built
much later in history. The seven cities mentioned in
Revelation form what the Rev. John Stott “ an irregular
circle ” and “ are listed in the order in which a
Messenger might visit them if commissioned to deliver the
letters ”.
Sailing
from the island of Patmos, to which John had been banished,
he would arrive at Ephesus. He would then travel north to
Smyrna and Pergamum, southeast to Thyatira, Sardes and
Philadelphia and finish his journey at Laodicea. He would
need only to keep to what Professor William Ramsey calls
“ the great circular road that bound together the most
populous, wealthy and influential part of the Province, the
west - central region. ” Though the book of Revelation
was penned by the hand of the Apostle John, it is claimed
that these letters emanate directly emanate from the lips of
the ascended and glorified Jesus Christ. Stott notes that
“ in them, by praise and censure, warning and
exhortation,He makes plain much of His will for His people.
The seven churches of Asia,though historical, represent the
local churches of all ages and of all lands ”. The
onslaught on the Church was physical through a persecuting
emperor and his deputies,intellectual through false cults and
moral through sub - Christian ethical standards. As we look
around the world today, the same pressures harassing
different churches and the messages in these letters are also
fort he Church in the world. Stott says “ it’s a
call to Christians to endure tribulation, to hold fast to the
truth, to resist the deceptions of the devil and to obey the
commandments of God.” In each of the seven letters,
which follow, the risen Christ lays emphasis, either in
rebuke or in commendation of one particular characteristic of
an ideal church. Put together, these characteristic
constitute the seven Marks of a true and living church.
Seven Churches Tour 2
Tour Code : SCT102
Travel Time
: 2 Nights 3 Days
Prices : Please
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Tour Plan :
Day
01 - Izmir - Pergamon - Thyatira - Izmir
Greeted
upon arrival at Izmir airport, ancient city Smyrna, visit
the St.Policarp Church drive to Pergamon, visit Acropolis
and Asclepion and red Bazilica. After a delicious lunch
continue with drive to akhisar, visit the remains of the
church Thyatria. Return to Izmir.
Day
02 - Izmir - Ephesus - Pamukkale
Early
morning drive to Selcuk, ancient Ephesus, cradle of early
Christianity, visit the house of Virgin Mary where she
spent her last days. After visiting the tomb of St. Luke,
continue to the spectacular remains of Ephesus from the
period of St.Paul, visit the Basilica of St.John and his
tomb. Continue to Pamukkale.
Day
03 - Pamukkale - Laodicea - Philadelphia - Sardis -
Izmir
Early
morning start with the tour of the ancient city of
Hierapolis, the Theater and the well preserved Necropolis.
Then see the ancient city of Laodicea, visit one of the
seven Churches and the remains of the Cathedral still
exist. Continue to Philadelphia in Alasehir, visit the
scanty remains of the Cathedral. Drive to Sardis, capital
of the ancient Lydia, see the Temple of Cybele and Diana,
which later became a church, the golden River Pactalos and
the royal Road. Our service ends in Izmir airport.
Tours
will be provided by experienced guides in religious
subjects ! 4 star Hotel breakfast and dinner 3 x Included
Pick-up: 09:00 a.m. Drop off 06:00 p.m. Miles 375
miles.
Included
:
| • Transfer from airport or hotel and back | |
| • Transportation by a comfortable AC non smoking Luxurious car / Van with professional driver. | |
| • Professional and experienced licensed guide during the tours. | |
| • Entry fees to the museums and sites. ( Including Terraces House in Ephesus ) | |
| • Parking fees. | |