P.S. This was originally shared in the Friday AM on 12/12, but posting here so it doesn’t get lost
The Life and Times of Paul field study really started the first day of the semester when we connected online to students across the world. From there, we examined the missional journeys of Paul in Acts and excavated the text together one class period at a time. At the end of the last class, with passports in hand, a richer understanding of who Paul was and a hope to deepen that understanding, we set off to meet in Thessaloniki. In the rarest form of airport success stories, and proof that God loves kingdom work, we all made it to the bus with our luggage before the scheduled departure time—a modern miracle.
The first day, we made the trek over to the ancient city of Neapolis to wake up in the port city where Paul’s European ministry began. Over the course of our adventures together, we have traced the path of Paul to the likely spot of Lydia’s baptism, followed the Via Egnatia through Phillipi, hiked the medieval monk trail to visit the Holy Trinity monastery and walked through museums, coffee shops and beautiful churches all across Greece.
As I currently sit in our hotel in Ancient Olympia and reflect on our travels, slightly sore from a straight uphill post-dinner walk under the stars, what has stood out to me most is how being in a Christian community, whether in the 1st century AD or in todays world, it is truly a blessing to get to share this journey with others. Paul’s missional journeys are laced with friendship, growth with others and support from his community. As we are walking (or riding on the bus) around Greece, the conversations are coursing with vulnerability, hope, excitement and a desire to grow and learn. I think that, more than anything, during this journey as a group is what connects us to Paul.
As of today, with two more days left of our field study, I am thankful to be part of this community that will be bonded through this shared experience for the rest of our lives. I am thankful for the authenticity that is freely offered from Dr. V with his titled stories (IYKYK) and his diligence in shepherding a group of strangers into a community. And I am thankful for the different paths — an undergrad on his way home, JUC travelers who have taken this class, or a first time solo traveler abroad — that have led us to walking this shared path together. I am excited to see where each takeaway and growth moment leads for the life and times of each of us.
“The things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things” (Philippians 4:9)