On the third day of our journey, we bid farewell to the breathtaking region of Meteora, with its awe-inspiring monasteries perched atop towering rock formations, as we began our journey toward Athens. As usual, our guide, Aliki, eloquently narrated the rich history of Greece as we traveled along the national highway. We stopped for lunch at a roadside eatery, enjoying a quick break before continuing our journey. A little after 2:00 pm, we arrived in Athens, ready to explore the ancient city.

Our first stop was Mars Hill, also known as Areopagus, a place steeped in biblical significance. Walking uphill, we were greeted by an overwhelming array of ancient structures. I found myself completely captivated, struggling to focus as I wanted to take photos of every detail and absorb the magnificence around me. 

It was at Mars Hill that the Apostle Paul delivered his famous sermon, recorded in Acts 17:16-32, to the philosophers of Athens. Paul stood in this very place, addressing the people about their worship of an “unknown god” and introducing them to the truth of Jesus Christ. Standing in the same spot, I reflected on Paul’s boldness, his deep knowledge of the Scriptures, and his ability to engage with the intellectual minds of his time. It was inspiring to think of how Paul communicated the Gospel with confidence and grace in a city filled with diverse beliefs.

After descending Mars Hill, we made our way to the Acropolis, arguably the most famous site in all of Greece. Dedicated to the goddess Athena, this ancient wonder has been a symbol of wisdom and culture since the 5th century BC. As we approached, the sheer scale and grandeur of the structure left me speechless. Standing before the Acropolis, I marveled at the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the architects and builders, who created something that has stood the test of time for over 2,400 years. The influence of Greek architecture on the world, particularly in iconic buildings in the UK and USA, was evident as I admired the designs.

Not far from the Acropolis, we could see the towering remains of the Temple of Zeus, dating back to the 6th century BC. This once-majestic structure was dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods in Greek mythology. Nearby stood the Parthenon, the crowning glory of the Acropolis, built in honor of the warrior goddess Athena. Each of these monumental buildings told a story of the power, influence, and ingenuity of ancient Greek civilization.

By the end of the day, I was filled with awe at the magnificence of these architectural feats and grateful for the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Paul in this historic city. It became clear why Paul felt compelled to bring the message of the Gospel to the Greeks, a people known for their wisdom and pursuit of knowledge. Today was a day of marveling at both the accomplishments of ancient Greece and the timeless message of the Gospel.