“…when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,” 2 Corinthians 2:12
It was at Troas, during his second missionary journey, that the Apostle Paul received the “Macedonian Call”. “And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.” – Acts 16:9
The vision at Troas changed Paul’s course. Rather than continuing to Bythinia, the region just South of the Black Sea, Paul immediately set sail for Macedonia.
During the time of the Roman Empire, Troas was a major port for sailing vessels traveling between Anatolia (Turkey) and Europe. The Apostle Paul passed through Troas on both his second and third missionary journeys.
The day we visited Troas, we had it all to ourselves. A narrow dirt road leads to the archeological site. The view of the Aegean Sea from Troas is spectacular.
From Troas to Assos
And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot. – Acts 20:13
Temple of Apollon Smintheion – Traveling from Troas to Assos, we took a coastal road. As we entered the village of Gulpinar we couldn’t help but notice the archeological site of Smintheion. The temple was dedicated to Apollo, “Lord of Mice.” A poem in Homer’s Iliad makes reference to the temple.
We found a small restaurant in Gulpinar and enjoyed a wonderful lunch before continuing to Assos. Along the way we passed some sheepfolds. My mind turned to John chapter 10 where Jesus, the Good Shepherd said ” I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” – John 10:9
Jim thank you for bringing these verses to life. These pictures are incredible and btw I love that outfit you have on Sherry.