12TH STOP OF PAUL'S SECOND JOURNEY
Macedonia Region of Northern Greece
THE EXHAUSTING MILES
After leaving Amphipolis, another long, couple days of walking awaited Paul and his companions. The Via Egnatia eventually brought them to the beautiful, green hills of the Mygdonian Basin, arriving at the town of Apollonia. Situated near the southern shores of Lake Volvi, Apollonia was a town famed for its natural scenery, and its dedication to Apollo - the Greek god of light, music and poetry.
By the time Paul's worn sandals arrived in Apollonia, he had walked nearly 100 km across 5 days since leaving the prison cells of Philippi. His body likely still ached from the beatings. How tempting it must have been for Paul to hang up his sandals for a period and heal and gather their strength. But if we know anything of Paul, it was that he had a mission and nothing would stop him.
THE URGENCY OF THE CROWD
Paul looked past the peaceful lakeside views of Apollonia and knew that a massive, crowded, and spiritually dark city awaited him. Thessalonica, the bustling capital of the Macedonian province, lies another 60 kilometers ahead.
Apollonia was a place of comfort, but Paul refused to mistake a place of comfort for a place of calling.
The beautiful view of Volvi Lake just north of Apollonia
AT THE CROSSROADS
Apollonia was beautiful, quiet, and comfortable - a place we all like. Perhaps it was temping for an exhausted Paul to stop and rest here for a time.
Have you ever been tempted to settle down in a comfortable situation because the road ahead look exhausting? How do you distinguish between a season when God is giving you a temporary place to rest or to keep on moving?
A plaque seen in Apollonia commemorating Paul's visit
