One of the most important roads in the Roman world was the Via Egnatia, which linked Dyrrhachium on the Adriatic Sea, to Byznatium, a distance of 260 miles. From the standpoint of Paul’s travels in Acts, the road crossed through Macedonia westward to Illyricum, linking the Aegean Sea to the Adriatic Sea.
Dr. Mark Wilson writes:
Around 146 BC the governor Gnaeus Egnatius began a road project across the Balkan Peninsula to link the Adriatic to his province of Macedonia on the Aegean Sea. Before 56 BC the road had been extended through Thrace to Byzantium (Cicero, On the Consular Provinces 2.4). Its length was 746 RM (696 mi. [1,120 km]). Travelers wishing to continue east from the port of Brundisium ferried across the Adriaticum (modern Adriatic) either to Dyrrachium or Apollonia (Strabo, Geography 7.7.4,8; he calls the former city by its Greek name Epidamnus). Branches of the Via Egnatia terminated at these Adriatic ports in the province of Illyricum. The remains of a mutatio are found at Ad Quintum (modern Bradashesh). Lychnidos (modern Ohrid) was the last major city in eastern Illyricum. Heraclea Lyncestis (modern Bitola) was the first major Macedonian city, then Edessa where a branch ran south to Berea. After Pella came the provincial capital Thessalonica on the Aegean coast. Eastward the road ran through Apollonia, Amphipolis, Philippi, and back to the coast at Neapolis.
Wilson, M. (2019). The Roman Road System around the Mediterranean (Acts 8:26; 20:1–3; 23:23–33; 28:13–16; Romans 15:19). In B. J. Beitzel, J. Parks, & D. Mangum (Eds.), Lexham Geographic Commentary on Acts through Revelation (pp. 180–181). Lexham Press.
One very important archaeological find on the Via Egnatia is the milestone pictured here above. The inscription is bilingual. It contains the name of the governor of the province of Macedonia, Gnaius Egnatus (served in late 140s BC), who was responsible for the construction of this Roman road. Hence the name, Via Egnatia. The milestone was found near the point where the Via Egnatia crossed the Gallikos River, west of Thessaloniki. This inscription also accurately reports the length of the road to be 260 miles.
The Via Egnatia (like other Roman roads) was built to move the Roman army to the East. But the special significance of this road to Bible students is seen (beginning with the Second Missionary Journey) as Paul (and companions) crosses the Aegean from Troas to Neapolis, and from there gets on the Via Egnatia. Luke, the author of Acts and having joined Paul at Troas, traces the evangelist work from Philippi (Acts 16), passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia (Acts 17:1f; did not preach there) then to Thessalonica, where “a great multitude” (Acts 17:4) were persuaded to become Christians. But because of intense persecution, Paul then left the Via Egnatia and moved southward to Berea, where there was great success (Acts 17:10-15). Paul would have made use of this road again on the Third Journey (Acts 20:1-3).
Here is a view of the Via Egnatia in Philippi, looking east. You can also see the agora to your right.
This post shows an Anthropoid Coffin from Deir el-Balah, south of Gaza, one of the cities of the Philistines. Scholars date this artifact to the 13th century BC. It demonstrates Egyptian influence reaching into the SW coast of Canaan. The patriarch Joseph may have been put in a coffin such as this.
The Philistines are mentioned numerous times in the Bible, in the days of the Judges and Kings, and as well as references in the prophets. For example, Zephaniah 2:4: “For Gaza shall be deserted, and Ashkelon shall become a desolation; Ashdod’s people shall be driven out at noon, and Ekron shall be uprooted” (ESV). This text mentions four of the five cities of the Philistine Pentapolis, the fifth being Gath (see 1 Sam. 6:16).
The context of Zephaniah’s prophecy is one of judgment, of the wrath of God, called “The great day of the LORD” (1:14). Though Zephaniah is addressing the Jews of Jerusalem/Judah, God is the God of all the nations. Here the prophet was warning of the destruction of the Philistines (2:5).
This post will deal briefly with Ekron, which today is known also as Tel Miqne.
Though originally in Israel’s territory at the time of the Conquest led by Joshua (Josh. 15:11, 45-56), Ekron was later in the hands of the Philistines by the time of the Judges. Much of the territory originally taken by the Israelites in the conquest was not retained in subsequent years, largely due to Israel’s lack of diligence and compromise with the surrounding nations.
Location of Ekron. Map by BibleAtlas.Org.
Ekron is a tel composed of about 50 acres. It was known for its olive oil industry.
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary has this information on Ekron:
Northernmost of the five major Philistine cities known as the Pentapolis. The site of ancient Ekron has been much debated but now is generally agreed to be modern Tell Miqne, about 14 miles inland from the Mediterranean Sea and 10 miles from Ashdod. The site is one of the largest in Palestine, covering some 50 acres. Ekron lies on the road leading from Ashdod into the Judean hill country and up to Jerusalem through the Sorek Valley.
Ekron was assigned to both Judah (Josh. 15:11, 45–46) and Dan (Josh. 19:43) in the tribal allotments. It probably lay on the border between the tribes. Judges 1:18 reports that Judah captured Ekron along with other parts of the Philistine coast, but Ekron was certainly in Philistine hands at the time the ark was captured (1 Sam. 5:10). It was also the place to which the Philistines retreated after David slew Goliath (1 Sam. 17:52). Ahaziah, the son of King Ahab of Israel, called on the god of Ekron, Baal-zebub, when he was sick (2 Kings 1:2–16).
Excavations at Tell Miqne have discovered much pottery that is typically Philistine. From the last period before Tell Miqne was destroyed by the Babylonians, the excavators found an important industrial complex near the city gate. A hoard of iron agricultural tools was found. Hundreds of whole pottery vessels were present. Perhaps most importantly, a well-preserved olive press was discovered. This press is the largest and best preserved known in Israel. A horned altar was also found during the excavations. (pp. 469–470).
I have previously posted on Ekron, Tel Miqne, here.
As one studies the biblical text, such as the letter to the church at Sardis (Rev. 3:1-6), one of the Seven Churches of Asia addressed in the book of Revelation, it is helpful to know somewhat of the conditions in which those first century Christians lived.
The city of Sardis has a rich history in many ways. This post will deal with just one: the Royal Road. Cyrus the Great (r. 559-529 BC) was the founder of the Persian Empire following his conquering of the Babylonian Empire. Cambyses II succeeded him (r. 529-522 BC), whose successor was Darius (r.521-486 BC). (This is the king who was defeated in 490 BC at the battle of Marathon).
But scholars make the case that his great achievement was his construction of the Royal Road, which extended from the capitol of Susa to Sardis:
Darius is perhaps best remembered for instituting an advanced highway system throughout the empire, a route traditionally called the “Persian Royal Road.” According to Herodotus, the “father of history,” this roadway stretched from Susa (in Elam) to Sardis (in Lydia) and was comprised of a total of 111 intermediate resting-stages, passing through some six Persian provinces, and requiring a total of 90 days to travel the entire course of approximately 1,685 miles. Herodotus adds that another three days were required to journey from Sardis to the coast at Ephesus, from which some scholars have deduced that the “Royal Road” may have extended as far as the Aegean coast. At its other end, a road continued from Susa that ran to Persepolis and beyond.
Beitzel, B. J. (2009). The New Moody Atlas of the Bible (p. 206). Moody Publishers.
The following map depicts this route:
Map shows route of Royal Road from Persian capital at Susa westward to Sardis. Map courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.
This linkage from the capital to Sardis “located Sardis on a major trade and communications route that persisted into the Roman period, positioning the city for ongoing prosperity” (deSilva, Lexham Geographic Commentary, p. 667).
Official communication. The historian Herodotus said of the Persian royal messengers:
Now there is nothing mortal that accomplishes a course more swiftly than do these messengers, by the Persians’ skillful contrivance. It is said that as many days as there are in the whole journey, so many are the men and horses that stand along the road, each horse and man at the interval of a day’s journey. These are stopped neither by snow nor rain nor heat nor darkness from accomplishing their appointed course with all speed.
Herodotus. (1920). Herodotus, with an English translation by A. D. Godley (A. D. Godley, Ed.). Harvard University Press.
Administration.
Rapid Troop Movemnt.
Trace and commerce.
In later history, Alexander the Great would make use of the Royal Road in his conquest of Persia. Dr. Mark Wison notes, “After Alexander the Great captured the city from the Persians in 334 BC, Sardis served as the western capital of the Selucid Empire nor nearly a hundred years (281-190 BC)” (Biblical Turkey, p. 290). In 133 BC Sardis became a part of the Roman province of Asia.
God had his people in Sardis. The church at Sardis was the 5th of the Seven Churches addressed by John (Rev. 1-3).
Sardis is the fifth of the seven churches addressed by Jesus through the Apostle John, while John was on the Island of Patmos. In summary, Jesus’ assessment of the church there was, “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead” (Rev. 3:2).
Archaeologists have uncovered and identified many structures and other items of interest at Sardis, including a Byzantine chapel in the southeast corner of the temple of Artemis.
Dr. Mark Wilson writes, “The inner western chapel dates to the 4C [4th century AD] and is one of the earliest preserved churches in western Asia Minor; the larger, outer apse dates to the 6C” (Biblical Turkey, A Guide to the cJewish and Christain sites of Asia Minor, p. 291).
The temple of Artemis, whose partial ruins are in view here, would have been in use when those Christians of the 1st century AD at Sardis received the letter (Rev. 3:1-6). It’s hard to overemphasize how pervasive idolatry was in the biblical world!
We have previously posted several articles on Sardis: click hereherehere and here.
In our local congregation we are continuing to explore the Seven Churches of Asia, of Revelation 2-3. John the Apostle received the Revelation on the Island of Patmos.
While we cannot know the exact spot on the island where John was when he was “in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day” and told, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia” (Rev. 1:10-11), visitors to Patmos are shown a “traditional” location, known as the “Cave of the Apocalypse.”
The church at Pergamum lived “where Satan’s throne is . . . where Satan dwells (Rev. 2:13). There have been many suggestions as to the basis of this designation. Pergamum was known for its worship of Asklepios (god of healing), Serapis, Athena, Dionysus, Demeter, as well as being a center for the Imperial Cult (emperor worship).
David A. DeSilva suggests: “[T]he distinctive altar of Zeus on the brow of the acropolis may have been more in John’s view” (The Social and Geographical World of Pergamum (Revelation 1:11; 2:12–17). In B. J. Beitzel, J. Parks, & D. Mangum (Eds.), Lexham Geographic Commentary on Acts through Revelation (p. 638). Lexham Press).
The altar of Zeus, located on the southern crest of the acropolis, was without a doubt the most distinctive and most prominently visible structure overlooking Pergamum. Construction was begun in the early- to mid-second century BC under Eumenes II, possibly in connection with his victory over the invading Galatians. The massive throne-like altar complex resembled an open-air temple, complete with columned porticoes surrounding its staircase and inner courtyards. The whole had a footprint of about 120 by 110 feet (36.5 × 33.5 m), and it rose to a height of 40 feet (12 m). The sacrificial altar proper sat within the inner courtyard, which was approached by a wide, grand staircase. The reconstructed monument now sits in the Pergamum Museum in Berlin. The altar was adorned with nearly four hundred linear feet (122 m) of frieze, its scenes carved about seven feet (2 m) high. The frieze around the structure’s perimeter depicted the mythological battle between the Olympian gods and the giants, with Zeus and Athena prominently featured on the front side. An interior frieze told the story of Telephus, the mythic founder of Pergamum. An L-shaped agora or forum was set just below the precincts of the altar of Zeus. The identification of some of the buildings as warehouses makes it likely that this particular forum served as a commercial center in the old city.
deSilva, D. A. (2019). The Social and Geographical World of Pergamum (Revelation 1:11; 2:12–17). In B. J. Beitzel, J. Parks, & D. Mangum (Eds.), Lexham Geographic Commentary on Acts through Revelation (pp. 645–646). Lexham Press.
Here is a photo of the acropolis of Pergamum, with the Asklepion at our back. Sometimes it gets windy on our tours (as my granddaughter can attest).
Our preaching theme for January in our local congregation is a study of the Seven Churches of Asia (Rev. 2-3). I’m looking forward to this study. Ephesus is the first of the cities addressed (Rev. 2:1-7).
It is helpful to understand somewhat of the local conditions in which these 1st Century Christians lived. Ephesus was the city which featured the temple to the goddess Artemis (Diana), which at that time was one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Here is a model of the temple which is housed in the museum at Ephesus:
The 8th century BC prophet Micah identifies himself as “Micah of Moresheth” (Mic. 1:1). As his message continues in chapter one, he references “Moresheth Gath” (1:14). Moresheth Gath is tentatively identified by many scholars as Tel Goded (Tell ej-Judeideh).
The geography of Israel is defined by four longitudinal zones: The Coastal Plain, the Central Hill Country, the Jordan Valley, and the Transjordan Plateau. As one goes east from the coastal plain, before arriving in the hill country, one passes through the Shephelah (שְׁפֵלָה, usually rendered “lowland” in Scripture), which consists of gently rolling hills (see Deut. 1:7, etc.). See map here:
We are currently studying 1 Peter in our local congregation. Peter’s first letter was written to Christians in five Roman districts in Asia Minor, which today comprise much of modern Turkey. “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” (1 Pet. 1:1, ESV). Dr. Mark Wilson has provided Bible students with a great resource in his book, Biblical Turkey.
Peter’s Communities. Map by Dr. Mark Wilson.
Christians in five Roman districts are addressed in Peter’s letter. The starting point was Pontus.
In the midst of this letter which was designed to equip/strengthen Christians who were suffering fiery trials for their faith, Peter spoke to them about enjoying life and seeing good days! (1 Pet. 3:10). It would seem that “loving life and seeing good days” would be something that everyone desires. It is also apparent that this is what God wants for us! It does not follow, however, that “whatever makes you happy” is okay. For example, some have reasoned that “God wants me to be happy, but I am not happy in my present marriage, but I’ve found someone else.” Thus they contract a marriage that God’s word says is adulterous, but have convinced (deceived) themselves that it is okay because God wants them to be happy. You can be sure that God does NOT want you to be happy by doing something He has condemned in His word! First and foremost, God wants you to be holy; God wants you to be saved.
Every passage has a context. “For ‘He who would love life And see good days, Let him refrain his tongue from evil, And his lips from speaking deceit.'” The first word in our verse, “For” (Greek gar)is often “a marker of cause or reason between events.”[i] Here it links the goal of “loving life and seeing good days,” with what has just been said in the previous verses. “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing” (3:8-9). Additionally, the greater context, which includes God’s directives to wives and husbands (3:1-7) must be considered. That is, if you want to truly love life and see good days, it flows from the behavior just described in the above verses. In this article I want to explore some important lessons.
God wants us to enjoy life and see good days. Peter has previously called this life on earth “the time of your sojourning” (1 Pet. 1:17, KJV; “your temporary residence” NET). We often sing, “This world is not my home.” Christians recognize we are “sojourners and pilgrims” (1 Pet. 2:11). We are in the world, but “not of the world” (John 15:19; 17:14-16). Yet we see that it is right to enjoy life and see good days. Our trust is not in “uncertain riches, but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Tim. 6:17). God intends for us to enjoy the good things He gives us, as we give thanks to Him from whom all blessings flow!
God wants us to enjoy our family. “Enjoy life with the woman whom you love all the days of your fleeting life which He has given to you under the sun; for this is your reward in life and in your toil in which you have labored under the sun” (Eccl. 9:9), NASB). “. . . And rejoice with the wife of your youth . . . And always be enraptured with her love” (Prov. 5:18-19). “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them” (Psa. 127:3-5). “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers” (Prov. 17:6, ESV). I mention the family relationship as just one example of blessings from God which He wants us to enjoy, and can contribute so much to “loving life and seeing good days.”
Hindrances to Joy. Satan has many devices (2 Cor. 2:11). He is a great “joy-stealer.” He does not want us to “rejoice in the Lord” because “the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Neh. 8:6). One hindrance can be to fail to seize the present moment; to always be thinking that once I get past this problem, or after I get this done, then I can enjoy life. That tends to always put it out of reach. God wants us right now, right here, in our present circumstances, to enjoy life and see good days, and not be waiting on something else to happen before we can do so.
Another hindrance may be what I call the “Haman complex.” Haman gathered his wife and friends. “Then Haman told them of his great riches, the multitude of his children, everything in which the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and servants of the king. Moreover Haman said, ‘Besides, Queen Esther invited no one but me to come in with the king to the banquet that she prepared; and tomorrow I am again invited by her, along with the king. ‘Yet all this avails me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate’” (Est. 5:11-13). Here was a man who “had it all” so to speak, but he could enjoy none of it because there was ONE thing that displeased him! It’s so easy for us to do the same.
Worry can so distract us and upset us that we fail to enjoy life and see good days. See Matthew 6:25-34.
Sinful behavior. Getting back to 1 Peter 3, a failure to conduct oneself in keeping with the imperatives of the passage will only result in envy, strife, and unhappiness. We can’t be guilty of doing the things that God hates, and expect to enjoy life and see good days (see Prov. 6:16-19).
Nothing should eclipse this joy. The seventy disciples returned from the limited commission” with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name” (Lk. 10:17). Of course this was important, and showed Jesus’ coming victory over Satan, but Jesus said, “Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven” (Lk. 10:20). The primary cause for our rejoicing, that exceeds all else (even the miraculous gifts of the 1st century), is our salvation in Christ Jesus!
During our recent tour of Sicily and Southern Italy we were able to tour the area of the ancient port of Ostia, at the mouth of the Tiber River, and while in that area visit the American Cemetery. Though I had intended to post this earlier, as today is Independence Day I thought it would be appropriate to share at this time.
The cemetery is located about 38 miles south of Rome.
The World War II Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial site in Italy covers 77 acres, rising in a gentle slope from a broad pool with an island and cenotaph flanked by groups of Italian cypress trees. Beyond the pool is the immense field of headstones of 7,845 of American military war dead, arranged in gentle arcs on broad green lawns beneath rows of Roman pines. The majority of these individuals died in the liberation of Sicily (July 10 to August 17, 1943); in the landings in the Salerno Area (September 9, 1943) and the heavy fighting northward; in the landings at Anzio Beach and expansion of the beachhead (January 22, 1944 to May 1944); and in air and naval support in the regions. Source: https://www.abmc.gov/Sicily-Rome
A wide central mall leads to the memorial, rich in works of art and architecture, expressing America’s remembrance of the dead. It consists of a chapel to the south, a peristyle, and a map room to the north. On the white marble walls of the chapel are engraved the names of 3,095 of the missing. Rosettes mark the names of those since recovered and identified. Source: https://www.abmc.gov/Sicily-Rome
Posted by Leon Mauldin 
leonmauldin.blog 
