Day 07 – Priene – House Church

Today was a special day for our community – we saw our ancient ancestor Acacia groups! But first a few lessons:



Here is a wild olive branch. Smaller and less fruitful, RVL made the point that no one in his right mind would graft in a wild olive branch. But when Jesus says we are grafted in, He is the master gardener that can transform even the unfruitful into the fruitful.

The Acropolis above Priene. Hmmm, wonder what is going to happen up there.

A public water fountain. This community believed that Artemis brought them all their water. Imagine be a Christian in this community, where you were in the vast minority, having to teach your child, in front of your neighbors and peers, about the one living God who provides the living water from which you never thirst. What an opportunity, but what a challenge. Here RVL introduced us into all the things you might have to go without, like fire, service in legislature, selling in the market - real, everyday obstacles. What keeps you from being committed?

Notice how these large stones lay on top of the paving stones. This must have been something for someone to have permission to interrupt the street’s path. Archeologists have discovered this house originally had a side entrance, but converted to a front entrance after being converted to a worship space. The "original" house church (at least "an" original!)

Roman society had highly stratified social classes, with privileges such as who got water or food first and who served whom. In a vivid lesson, RVL asked us to imagine how transformative it would be for slave to be served by master, as brothers-in-Christ. This would have been revolutionary.

The temple to Artemis – a huge structure like the one in Sardis. Imagine the challenge of getting your children to attend your humble church home or synagogue. Sadly, the effects took their toll – the second picture shows how synagogues and churches changed from resembling homes to resembling pagan temples.

A challenging hike to the top of the Acropolis, including a bee attack (everyone is ok). RVL says we were only the second group to make it to the top with everyone. Check out Brooke’s blog for a group photo.

Sorry for the late post.

KTR