Goshen College

Please contact Dr. Bob Yoder

for more information

Course Description:

This 20-day Bible course will primarily follow the journey of Apostle Paul’s second missionary journey in Greece as described in Acts 16-18 exploring the issues of the various religious communities he influenced and the various books of the Bible associated with those churches. This course concludes in Rome where Paul spent his final earthly days and the study of the book of Romans. On-site study through lectures and fields trips will provide students greater depth of biblical knowledge by experiencing the geographic topography, and greater understanding into the cultural life and times of Paul. Students will also gain better appreciation of contemporary religious realities of Greece through historical studies and by connecting with church leaders of the eastern Greek Orthodox Church and Evangelical movements. They will also learn about the emergence of Roman Catholicism and the Vatican, the foundation of western Christianity. Sites to be visited include Thessaloniki, Philippi, Berea, Vergina, Mt. Olympus, Meteora, Delphi, Athens, Corinth, Florence, and Rome. Study topics include Biblical studies of Acts, Philippians, I & II Thessalonians, I & II Corinthians, and Romans; the Apostle Paul; Greek society at the time of Paul; history of Greece including mythology, architecture, warfare, Athenian democracy; timeline of Rome/Italy; history of Roman Empire; final days of Peter and Paul; and Paul’s journey to Rome.

In addition to academic study, this course will provide students the opportunity to grow in their faith and spirituality as for some this course may serve as a “spiritual pilgrimage.” Group times will include worship, reflection, and sharing insights from various small group projects and assignments. There will also be times throughout the course where students will be encouraged to individually reflect, pray, read, and journal. Small groups of three to five students, consistent throughout the course, will allow for more intimate discussion and reflection on their experience, and for each of those groups to lead the entire group in a time of worship and reflection. Overall, gaining insight into the faith, spirituality, and mission of the Apostle Paul will hopefully strengthen students’ individual faith journeys. Another hope is that the Scriptures will come alive for students as they experience the various places in Greece and Rome.

Contribution to Academic Curriculum

The world situation today calls for greater religious understanding, particularly around the issues that have divided East from West. Furthermore, the American biblical illiteracy rate continues to climb and misunderstandings about the ministry of the Apostle Paul abound in ways that result in religious oppression or harm to people within and outside the Christian church. It is important that Goshen College students, in their quest for a liberal arts education, be exposed to the historical rise and frame of Christianity, including that of East and West. This course will allow Goshen College students to:

•

Appreciate the missionary zeal of Apostle Paul in ways that could prepare students to better engage the present realities of today’s Christian church by building bridges from the issues that often divide people of faith.

•

Experience first-hand key biblical sites in Greece and Rome associated with various books of the Bible and the New Testament’s key missionary figure, the Apostle Paul

•

Gain understanding into the cultural and religious issues at the time of the Apostle Paul as new Christian communities formed from Jewish and Gentile populations, and some of the persecution they endured from state and local leaders.

•

Gain knowledge about the Greek and Roman Empires as was lived out in Greece and Rome, through its philosophy, art, architecture, and governance.

•

Learn about the Greek Orthodox Church, historical and present, a key “faith-carrier” of the Eastern Christian Church.

•

Connect with Evangelical church leaders in Greece, who are a minority faith group.

•

Grow in understanding of the rise and influence of Roman Catholicism and Vatican in the West.

•

Cross-culturally experience contemporary realities of Greece and Rome by traveling there and meeting with various local people.

•

Grow in their own faith through reading, reflection, worship, and learning about various religious communities, both historical and present.

Pricing

The price of this course is $2,100 round trip out of Chicago. Please note that this price is based on full-time enrollment, on campus, two terms tuition, and room and board. For other circumstances, please consult with Dr. Bob Yoder for your tentative cost. Flights will be out of and returning to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Students may work with Footstep Ministries to make alternative return flights at an additional cost.

The cost of the program includes: round trip airfare from Chicago ORD; airport taxes; port taxes; shared triple/quad rooms in tourist class hotels in central locations; breakfast daily, nine lunches, and six dinners; transportation and entrance fees to sights and museums; and gratuities.

An initial, non-refundable deposit of $750 will be due September 23rd, 2011. This deposit will secure a student's place on the program. The remaining balance will be due December 16, 2011.

Course Itinerary

Please note: B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

Days 1 & 2 – Arrival

Depart Chicago / Arrive Thessaloniki, Greece (D)

Day 3 – Thessaloniki

We begin our time in Greece with a cultural orientation, introduction to the life of the Apostle Paul, and a basic Greek language lesson. We then set out on a walking tour of Thessaloniki including the White Tower, Arch of Galerius, Rotunda, St. Demitrios Church, and the ancient Roman forum. We begin our study of the ministry of Paul and discuss his letter to the Thessalonians. (B, L, D)

Day 4 – Philippi

Following breakfast we depart for Philippi, the first major city Paul visited on his 2nd missionary journey. At Philippi we visit the site of Lydia’s baptism followed by a tour of the archaeological site, visiting the bema, forum, basilicas, theater, city walls, and traditional location of Paul’s imprisonment. Then we visit the port of Philippi, the biblical city of Neapolis (today called Kavala) and tour the port, aqueduct, and mosaic of Paul. After touring, we return to Thessaloniki for overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Thessaloniki, Independent Study, & Small Groups

This day is a time for small group topic discussions and presentations and a visit to the Byzantine Museum. (B)

Day 6 – Berea, Vergina, Mt. Olympus

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 legendary Mt. Olympus. We return from the hike to a quaint inn in the mountainside village of Litohoro where we spend the night. (B,L)

Day 7 – Meteora

Departing Litohoro 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. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Delphi

Morning field preparation and tour of the archaeological site of Delphi. Delphi was the most important religious center of classical Greece. There we see the Sanctuary of Apollo, Oracle of Delphi, agora, Sacred Way, theater, and stadium. We also tour this significant museum with its bronze Charioteer. After lunch and free time we arrive late afternoon in Athens for dinner and overnight. (B,D)

Day 9 – Athens: Acropolis, Areopagus, Agora

Our tour of Athens includes a visit to the Theater of Dionysios, Acropolis, Parthenon, Erectheion, Temple of Athena Nike, Propylaia, and Acropolis Museum. We also visit the Areopagus (Mar’s Hill) and examine the sermon of Paul to the Athenians. We visit the ancient Athenian agora and its museum. The afternoon brings us into the Plaka for a walking orientation of this historic district. Overnight Athens. (B,L,D)

Day 10 – Athens: Classical and Modern

We continue our tour of Athens with a visit to the Pan Athenian Stadium, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, and the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. Overnight Athens. (B,L)

Day 11 – 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. Students are then free to hike through the ruins of an ancient Venetian castle on the Acrocorinth. Overnight in Athens. (B,L,D)

Day 12 – Athens: Evangelical Church

In the morning, we attend a service at the 1st Evangelical Church of Athens. Schedules permitting, we meet with the pastor and members of the church to learn about the Evangelical church in Greece and join together in fellowship. Overnight Athens. (B)

Day 13 – Greek Island Cruise

Today we set out on the blue waters of the Aegean for a day cruise to the picturesque islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. (B,L)

Day 14 – Athens: Free Day

Free Day. In the evening we convene for a final group dinner in the Plaka to say “andio” to Greece. Overnight Athens. (B,D)

Day 15 – Rome: Vatican City

After an early morning flight to Rome, we check into our hotel in the Old City of Rome. We then visit the Vatican City and the Vatican Museum/Sistine Chapel, world famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling frecos and the Last Judgment. We end the day in St. Peter’s Basilica and Square and view Michelangelo's "Pieta." (B,L,D)

Day 16 – Rome: Classical Rome

Today we see the heart of the great Roman Empire and examine its impact on the life and ministry of Paul. We tour the Palatine Hill, home of the Roman Emperors, before visiting the forum and its many sites: the arches of Titus and Septimius Severus, Regia, Temple of the Vestal Virgins, rostra, senate chamber, and much more. We then visit the arch of Constantine before entering the world famous Coliseum where we examine the plight of the Christian martyrs. We continue to the Pantheon, one of the crowning achievements of Roman architecture that still stands to this day. (B,L,D)

Day 17 – Florence

Today we make our way to the leading center of Tuscany, Florence. Here we visit the church of San Croce and the Duomo, the most magnificent church of the city. For those who desire they can climb to the Dome or Bell Tower (extra entrance fee). We also visit the Academia and view Michelangelo’s exquisite statue of David. Return to Rome for overnight. (B, L)

Day 18 – Rome: Christian Rome

We make our way to the Catacombs and explore these underground burial sites. We then visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran, one of the four major basilicas of Rome and the ecclesiastical seat of the Pope. Continuing our studies in the life of Paul, we visit the basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls built over the site of Paul's tomb. (B,L)

Day 19 – Rome: Free Day

Free day. In the evening we have a final session before a celebratory group dinner. (B, D)

Day 20 – Departure

Depart Rome, arrive USA. (B)

Goshen College

April 25 - May 14, 2012

BIBL 310 – Topics:

Journeys of Paul in Greece and Rome
3 credits and SST Alternative

Students will also have the opportunity to experience first-hand key biblical sites in Greece and Rome, gain understanding into the cultural and religious issues at the time of the Apostle Paul, cross-culturally experience contemporary realities of Greece and Rome, and grow in their own faith through reading, reflection, worship, and learning about various religious communities, both historical and present.