Walking in the Footsteps of Paul: Exploring Greece at the Time of the New Testament

At the time of Christ, Greece had already been a living civilization for over 3,000 years. Its influence stretched across continents, cultures, and epochs—from the Bronze Age heroes of Homer’s Iliad to the architects of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games. Yet, when we think of the Bible, particularly the New Testament, Greece doesn’t always come immediately to mind. But the truth is, Greece and the world of early Christianity were deeply intertwined.

In a remarkable journey through time, actor and presenter David Suchet embarks on an exploration of ancient Bible destinations across Greece, tracing the footsteps of the apostles—especially Paul—as they spread their revolutionary message throughout the Mediterranean world. This is a story not just of ancient ruins and famous cities, but of faith, transformation, and cultural collision.

Athens: Where Paul Met the Philosophers

The journey begins in Athens, one of the world’s most iconic cities. By the time Paul arrived around 50 AD, Athens was already ancient. Once the beating heart of Greek thought and democracy, the city was still deeply proud of its cultural legacy—though now under Roman control.

When Paul set foot in Athens, he was a man alone. Fresh from conflict and persecution in northern Greece, he entered this intellectual stronghold with a bold message that flew in the face of millennia of Greek tradition. Athens, home to Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, revered reason and rhetoric. Yet here stood Paul, proclaiming the story of a crucified Jewish Messiah—a tale that to many Athenians sounded not just foreign, but absurd.

Dr. Michael Scott, a classics scholar, helps us understand the atmosphere Paul encountered. “The Athenians saw themselves as the intellectual elite of the Mediterranean. They prided themselves on their knowledge, their philosophy, their democracy. And here comes Paul—an outsider—trying to tell them their gods are false.”

It wasn’t just brave—it was radical.

Paul found himself on Mars Hill (Areopagus), debating with the city’s philosophers and explaining that the altar he’d seen dedicated to an “Unknown God” was, in fact, a pointer to the one true God of creation. Some scoffed, others were intrigued. A few even followed.

This moment—small as it may seem—was monumental. It marked Christianity’s intellectual confrontation with the Greco-Roman world, and it happened right here in the heart of Athens.

Macedonia: Where Christianity Reached Europe

From Athens, the journey heads north to Macedonia, the region where Paul first set foot on European soil. In places like Philippi and Thessaloniki, Paul planted some of the earliest Christian churches, many of which are referenced in the letters (epistles) that form a major portion of the New Testament.

Paul’s time in Macedonia was turbulent. In Thessaloniki, for instance, his teachings caused such an uproar among local Jewish and Roman authorities that he had to flee under cover of darkness. Nevertheless, his impact was profound. The Letter to the Thessalonians, written not long after, offers insight into both the affection Paul felt for the believers there and the hardships they endured together.

Corinth: The Crossroads of Empire

Southwest of Athens lies Corinth, another vital city in Paul’s missionary journey. It was a major port city and a melting pot of cultures, ideologies, and religions. The ancient ruins of Corinth—especially the grand temples and market streets—reflect a city of great wealth and even greater moral complexity.

Paul lived here for around 18 months, working as a tentmaker and preaching in the synagogue. His Letters to the Corinthians reflect the city’s vibrant yet troubled spiritual climate. Corinth was known for its extravagance and moral laxity, and Paul’s letters wrestle with the challenges of creating a faithful Christian community in such an environment.

Standing among the ruins today, with the towering Temple of Apollo behind you and the Acrocorinth fortress looming above, you can almost hear echoes of the apostle’s voice preaching to a bustling, skeptical audience.

Patmos: Visions from Exile

No journey through biblical Greece would be complete without a visit to the islands—especially Patmos. A place of beauty and solitude, Patmos was the site of one of the most mysterious and dramatic moments in the Bible. Here, the apostle John was exiled, and it was here that he received the visions that became the Book of Revelation.

Today, visitors to the Cave of the Apocalypse and the Monastery of St. John can reflect on the powerful imagery that John recorded—visions of beasts, angels, judgment, and salvation. Surrounded by whitewashed buildings, sapphire seas, and the timeless quiet of the Aegean, it’s easy to see how such a profound spiritual experience could unfold in such a place.

A Living Mosaic of Faith and Culture

What becomes abundantly clear through Suchet’s journey is that Greece is not just a backdrop for biblical history—it’s a vital thread in the tapestry of early Christianity. From bustling Athens to quiet Patmos, every stone has a story, every ruin a connection to a faith that once struggled to survive but now spans the globe.

Modern Greece, of course, is also a marvel. With its sunshine, cuisine, hospitality, and remarkable blend of ancient and modern life, it remains a top global destination for both history lovers and casual tourists alike. From the changing of the guard in Syntagma Square to the bustling stalls of Monastiraki, the old and new coexist in a city—and a country—that never forgets its past.

But for Christians, or anyone curious about the roots of Western civilization and spirituality, Greece is something more: a living pilgrimage. Here, one walks the very same roads that Paul, John, and the early disciples walked. Here, the Gospel took root in European soil. Here, the ancient world heard a new voice—and the world was never the same again.

Conclusion

Greece, at the time of the New Testament, was a place of extraordinary cultural, political, and religious complexity. Into this world stepped apostles like Paul and John—visionaries carrying a message of love, hope, and salvation. Their journeys across this storied land, from Athens to Corinth to Patmos, laid the foundations of a faith that would transform empires.

Today, whether you’re walking the hills of Athens, sailing the blue Aegean to Patmos, or standing in the shadow of Corinth’s temples, you’re not just seeing history. You’re stepping into the world where the story of Christianity truly began to unfold.

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