I thought this was really interesting. See the bay in the photo? It’s called St Paul’s Bay and it’s in Lindos, on the island of Rhodes. This is where Paul is thought to have moored on his third journey on the way to Jerusalem (Acts 21:1).

If this is actually where Paul and his friends landed, the location is really interesting because hovering directly overhead is the temple of Athena Lindia (you can see the corner pillar and stairs in the foreground). In Greek mythology, Athena was the goddess of wisdom, battle and the protector of civil life. She was venerated at this temple which was built around 300BC.

As Paul’s ship sailed into the bay and he looked above at the acropolis he would have been immediately confronted with this very magnificent monument to a cult goddess. Confronted once again with the scale of his calling and mission to be a light to the Gentiles (Acts 13:47) and communicate the reality and truth of Jesus to a world who did not know Him.

“he [Paul] is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before the Gentiles” (Acts 9:15)

~ by Birgit on May 16, 2007.

Posted in Christianity, Devotional, Travel