May 31, 2007

• Pictures of Caesarea

  We are now going to visit a place that was prominent in the History of the early church.

  

  The Roman Gate (above) was structures with twists and turns so that a person coming in was slowed down and soldiers could defend it and a person on a horse or chariot could not ride through it very speedily.

  Acts 12:19  But when Herod had searched for him (Peter)  and not found him, he examined the guards and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.

  Acts 10:24-48  And the following day they entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.” And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. Then he said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. Therefore I came without objection as soon as I was sent for. I ask, then, for what reason have you sent for me?” So Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ “So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.”

  Preaching to Cornelius’ Household

  Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ–He is Lord of all– that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

  The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles

  While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

  Jim has not put pictures of Peter’s house on this computer yet, but I do have pictures of Herod’s palace and grounds. When I think of the trials that went on in this place it is sobering.

     

  Above are some of the palace buildings, store rooms, and stables for the horses.

  

  The palace was idyllic, and had a port, a swimming area and was grand in scale.

  

  

  As you can see fishermen still fish at the harbor Sebastos. Someone snapped my picture here.

  

  Our tour guide was giving us a map of the area so that we could see some of the layout of the palace.

  

   

  

  Acts 23:23-33 And he called for two centurions, saying, “Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night; and provide mounts to set Paul on, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” He wrote a letter in the following manner: Claudius Lysias, to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings. This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them. Coming with the troops I rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman. And when I wanted to know the reason they accused him, I brought him before their council. I found out that he was accused concerning questions of their law, but had nothing charged against him deserving of death or chains. And when it was told me that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him immediately to you, and also commanded his accusers to state before you the charges against him. Farewell. Then the soldiers, as they were commanded, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. The next day they left the horsemen to go on with him, and returned to the barracks. When they came to Caesarea and had delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. And when the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. And when he understood that he was from Cilicia, he said, “I will hear you when your accusers also have come.” And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s Praetorium.

  What is very interesting is that there is also a stone with a carving of the words “Pontius Pilate

  

  

  What really impacted me was the amphitheater, still in use today for concerts, but also part of Herod’s palace, along with a hippodrome for sporting events.

  

  The seats are still used today, in fact some of our group sang for us. Their singing was also enjoyed by a few other tourist groups. Thought you would enjoy listening to a snippet.

   

  To think that the disciples walked in this area, was sobering, yet it is through their courage and outspokenness that we have seen the spread of Christianity.

  Hoping your day is blessed. Remember that if you are a visitor that is not a Xanga member, you may still comment on this site, and I look forward to hearing from you!!!

  Heather

  • 6:01 am
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