Dates: May 20–June 7, 2024
Professors: Dr. Sean McDonough and Dr. Eckhard Schnabel
Cost: $4,500* (for single occupancy add $1,160)
This study tour is open to students, alumni, and friends of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Continuing the tradition initiated by Dr. Robert Cooley and Dr. Gary Pratico, Gordon-Conwell study tours provide insight into the geographical and topographical context in which God located the history of redemption. Based on a synthesis of archaeological expertise, historical trajectories, and exegetical and theological focus, the study tour In the Footsteps of John and Paul immerses participants in the history and the culture of the towns and cities in which the apostles John and Paul engaged in missionary and pastoral ministry, establishing new congregations and guiding them through problems caused by cultural fixations and theological challenges.
The apostle John was engaged in missionary and pastoral work in the province of Asia, based in Ephesus with contacts to the congregations in Smyrna, Pergamon, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. He was in exile on the island of Patmos. According to tradition he is buried in Ephesus. The apostle Paul proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Messiah in southern Galatia and Pamphylia, establishing congregations in Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lysta, Derbe, and Perge; later he was active in Ephesus, Miletus, and Troas in the province of Asia. We will be visiting these cities and additional major centers of the Greek and Roman period, exploring archaeological sites and visiting local museums. We will learn to integrate the realia of Greek and Roman culture, Old Testament and Jewish traditions, and the convictions of the early church focused on the one true God and the crucified, risen, and exalted Jesus Messiah, Lord of lords and King of kings, and on the proclamation of the gospel throughout the Roman empire.
Dr. Sean McDonough has spent many years studying John’s literature, and Dr. Eckhard Schnabel has engaged in extensive research in the missionary work of the early church, in particular the apostle Paul. They are both professors at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Students can use this tour as an Independent Study course (to do so contact Dr. McDonough or Dr. Schnabel).
Participants should be aware that the exploration of archaeological sites will involve walking up to 5 miles each day, sometimes over difficult terrain, in heat of up to 80 F (25 C).
*There may be minor adjustments to the trip fee closer to departure.