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Thyatira (modern Akhisar): One of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev 2:18-29), addressed as the “corrupt church.” Lydia, a seller of purple goods from Thyatira, was Paul’s first European convert (Acts 16:14). The message warns against tolerating false teaching (symbolized by “Jezebel”). 2 Kings 9:22, Revelation 2:20

We enjoyed an amazing breakfast at the Barcelo Hotel and then headed first to Tokkapi Palace. Lunch was a spectacular spread of Turkish delights. As we visit Anatolia as a region we learned that 97% of the area is modern Turkey and is Asia Minor. Today there are 86 million people in Turkey with about 16 million specifically in Istanbul also known in biblical times as Constantinople.

2 Kings 9:22 And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?.

Topkapı Palace, home to many Ottoman sultans (15th-19th century AD). Here, you will see the legacy of the Ottoman sultans, which includes the Imperial Treasury, gold objects, the famous Spoonmaker’s Diamond, swords, vases, the sultans’ clothing, and war tools decorated with precious stones and diamonds.
Note: The Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday; instead, visit the Archaeology Museum..

Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage site (Saint Sophia), was built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century A.D. Beautiful mosaics and frescoes depicting Christian icons and Byzantine Emperors will be on display.

Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.

Blue Mosque, which features six beautiful minarets. Built in the 17th century, it takes its name from more than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles used for interior decoration.

Then, we will stroll the historic Hippodrome Square, which was used as a meeting place for chariot races during the Byzantine period. Here, we will see the Serpent Column from Delphi, the Egyptian Obelisk, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II.

Grand Bazaar, which boasts over 4,000 shops filled with hidden treasures and authentic items

This blog follows the Apostle Paul’s footsteps on his 3 missionary journeys. These details draw from the Bible (primarily Acts, Revelation, and Pauline epistles) and early Christian tradition.

We arrived after more than 24 hours of travel safely in Istanbul at 5:45 PM. Lynn and Jack arrived about an hour after us and we met up at the hotel, with our guide for tomorrow. And then we went for a short walk and had some wonderful Turkish salads for dinner. It was a quiet evening we were all pretty tired I don’t think any of us slept more than maybe three hours on the journey. Tomorrow is Sunday, April 26 and here is just a snapshot of where we’re headed …..

Day 1: Istanbul

Istanbul (ancient Constantinople/Byzantium): Hagia Sophia (built 6th century by Emperor Justinian) was one of the greatest churches in Christendom for nearly 1,000 years before becoming a mosque. It symbolizes the early Christian Byzantine Empire. The tour also visits sites like the Hippodrome with Byzantine relics. While not directly tied to specific New Testament events, it represents the later flourishing of Christianity in the region. We will also visit the the Blue Mosque.