Israel 2022 - Caesarea reflections

    Our Day 1 trip began at Caesarea Maritime. There are two Caesarea's mentioned in the Bible. This is NOT Caesarea Philippi. It was a Pagan city, but as the Roman world became a Christian nation crosses like the one below started showing up in the city. This is one of the earliest crosses that shows up in architecture. 

    This was Pilate's home. He did not live in Jerusalem. He was there when Jesus was arrested as it was the Passover and he had to be in Jerusalem for all major Jewish Holidays. But, this stone is one of the very few extra-biblical sources that testify to his existence and supports the Biblical Narrative.  

    This city was an amazing modern city with all the entertainment, blood sports, theater, pools, etc. Herod even built a breakwater to make this a port for ships. This theater dates back to the first century and is still in use today for plays. 

Herod's palace at Caesarea faced the pools and overlooked the Mediterranean Sea. What a beautiful place to start spreading the Good News of Jesus!

Reflection

    As I walked the streets of Caesarea I could not help but think of two major events that happened in Acts. One was the sending of Peter to Cornelius. Peter came from Joppa which was about thirty miles away after seeing a vision to a gentile and from that point on the Gospel was opened to everyone. (Acts 10:1-10)

    The second major event was Paul's trials before Felix and Festus with Agrippa looking on. (Acts 23:23-26:32) Paul had been arrested much like Jesus and the Jews were trying to kill him, and condemn him to death. All of this even took place here, at Caesarea, in the palace area and it was from here that Paul left for Rome. 

    Both Paul and Peter were opening up the Gospel to a new people. I cannot fully comprehend the tension Peter felt as he was going to this Gentile's home. Maybe I can compare this to the typical Christian having a dream to go and share the Gospel at a Gay Pride celebration or hold a Bible study with the workers of an abortion clinic. We would all think, "Lord, how can you do this to me. These people are evil and sinners in the worst way."  What would you do if Jesus spoke to you in a vision to reach these people?  I am guessing that many of you would turn the other way and NOT answer in obedience.  The gentiles of the first century had no hope until Jesus came to set them free. Jesus used Peter and Paul and many others to spread the Gospel from these shores on the Mediterranean Sea. 

Visiting Caesarea was a great way to see and feel the need for us all to reach ALL PEOPLE as is mentioned in the Great Commission. Stephanie and I are committed to sharing the gospel with all those who feel rejected by the church, those who feel they are beyond hope. I have received the same vision Peter and Paul both received. God has given us our marching orders.

Who is God calling you to share the Gospel with?  Are you ignoring that call?  What would have happened if Peter and Paul had ignored their call?  

These two biblical events are in the Bible to motivate us to act reaching others, the disenfranchised, for Jesus.