Pilgrimage Reflections – Part 3 (Thursday, June 5)

"In front of the Miletus amphitheater — this is the place where Paul, during his third missionary journey, called the elders of Ephesus and delivered his farewell sermon."

22 "And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." (Acts 20:22–24)

It is better preserved in its original form than the amphitheater in Ephesus.

The first stop on our third day was Miletus—the place where Paul summoned the elders of Ephesus and delivered his farewell sermon. Though I had read about it in the Bible, standing on that very ground moved me deeply. The unique atmosphere of the ancient amphitheater added to the experience. Traces of the harbor where Paul likely arrived by ship reminded me how arduous his journey must have been.

As I imagined Paul setting out toward Jerusalem—perhaps to die—guided only by the Holy Spirit, delivering his farewell message along the way, I realized where the true strength of a Christian begins.

The harbor of Miletus has now become a marshland. It was here that Paul arrived by ship and met with the elders of Ephesus.

From Miletus → Cos → Rhodes → Patara → Tyre (where he stayed with the disciples for seven days) → Ptolemais → Caesarea, Paul finally arrived in Jerusalem. There, while undergoing a purification ritual at the temple to demonstrate his observance of the Law, a disturbance was stirred up by the Jews. The Roman military intervened, and Paul was taken into custody in Caesarea. Eventually, he was sent to Rome under guard.

Entrance Gate of the Basilica of St. John (Apostle John Memorial Church)

The second place we visited was the Basilica of St. John. It is located near the ruins of Ephesus and offers a clear view of the remnants of the once-massive Temple of Artemis, one of the largest temples of the ancient world. The statue of Artemis itself is said to have been an astounding 18 meters tall.

John was exiled to the island of Patmos during the reign of Emperor Domitian (AD 81–96) for preaching the gospel (Revelation 1:9). It was there that he wrote the Book of Revelation. After returning to Ephesus, it is believed that he wrote the Gospel of John and the First, Second, and Third Epistles of John around AD 90.

The appearance of the Basilica of St. John (Apostle John Memorial Church)

We saw the tomb of the Apostle John and were also able to view some well-preserved frescoes. Additionally, we observed the baptismal site. It was interesting to learn that those who had not been baptized had to worship in a separate area. This seems to reflect how the early church still retained some of the religious structure and formality of Judaism.

The Basilica of St. John was later expanded by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century—who is often remembered as the emperor who commissioned the most buildings.

In front of the tomb of the Apostle John

Prayer

Lord,Grant us the kind of faith that, like the Apostle Paul, does not cling to life but runs boldly toward Your calling. Give us hearts like the Apostle John—holding fast to truth in love and building up the community of faith.

Here on the shores of Miletus and the hills of Ephesus, let our lives also be wholly devoted to Your gospel. Renew in us a vision for a church united in love.

We pray in Jesus’ name,Amen.

Intercessory Prayer & Announcements

1. This Sunday, our worship service will feature a performance by the Hanul Sori Children’s Choir. As we have accompanied them throughout their journey, we have witnessed performances filled with grace and deep inspiration.

2. This Saturday at 9:00 a.m., the Boy Scouts will be setting up a community garden at our church. Those who are interested are welcome to join! Please also help us by opening the education building so the children have a space to rest.

3. The New Choir’s annual concert will be held this Saturday and Sunday. Our church choir director and several members are part of this choir, so we encourage everyone to attend and support the performance:https://mailchi.mp/e7c095acd176/early-bird-ticketing-portal-open-6423057?e=9c96222aca

4. This is truly a time when prayer is needed more than ever. Please continue to pray that Yeolin Church will be strengthened and grounded in prayer.