Caesarea

On our way to the Galilee last weekend, we stopped at the Mediterranean Coastal town of Caesarea. Caesarea is the beginning of the gospel of the Lord Jesus being extended to the gentiles through the Roman centurion, Cornelius, and his family. There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. Acts 10:1-2. Below is the ancient gate of the city of Caesarea from the inside of the city looking east.

The National Park sign. It looks like I am leaning a little to the right when taking the picture. It was after a couple of hours of walking so I must have been tired.

Caesarea was a port city right on the Mediterranean Coast. After the apostle Paul's 3rd missionary journey, he (and Luke) arrived at Caesarea before going to Jerusalem. And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the brethren, and stayed with them one day. On the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea. Acts 21:7-8.

From the southern side beside the Roman Amphitheatre, this is the view looking north over the Hippodrome to Caesarea.

Ancient columns make good park sculptures.

Ancient columns with the blue Mediterranean in the background.

The National Park sign describing the Hippodrome where chariot races were held.

This bottom portion of the sign suggests other things may have happened here.

Looking south over the Hippodrome with a modern chariot sculpture on the left.

Beautiful mosiac floor in the Hippodrome preserved by the sand.

The entire mosiac floor.

This looks like a race track for men instead of chariots.

After a couple of thousand years including many battles, a large portion of Caesarea was destroyed and is lying under shallow water. You can go scuba diving here and see the city that is underwater which would be a fun experience. Looking closely at these rocks, you can see at one time they were walls.

Zoom in on this photo and you will see a young Arab couple having some wedding photos taken with the Mediterranean Sea in the background. Good location for photos. They had passed by us just after we finished eating.

Ancient ruins of Caesarea. Philip, the evangelist, who baptized the Ethiopian eunuch in Gaza lived here. Philip, like Stephen, was one of the seven chosen for service in Acts Chapter 6. And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip... Acts 6:5.

Philip preached the gospel all along the coast. So the eunuch answered Philip and said, "I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?" Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus (Ashdod). And passing through, he preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea. Acts 8:34-40. Below is one of the many nice restaurants to choose from in Caesarea.

The Lord blessed us with a beautiful day for photos. 20-25 years after Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch, it was his house that Paul was at on his way to Jerusalem. On the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. Acts 21:8.

Just a little bit north of the city of Caesarea are the ruins of an ancient Roman aquaduct. The aquaduct actually brought water from Mount Carmel (several kilometers north) to Caesarea.

Today the aquaduct is situated on a beach where there were many Israelis enjoying the day.

This is the well preserved Roman amphitheater at the southern end of Caesarea. The ancient ruins are in such good condition that modern day concerts and symphonies are held here. You can see the stage background and lights that have been put on the amphitheater.

Ancient ruins by the amphitheater in the foreground with modern Israel in the distance. Caesarea is where Paul almost converted King Agrippa. Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian." Acts 26:28.

Just as the Holy Spirit came to the Jews in Jerusalem in Acts Chapter 2, When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Acts 2:1-2, the Holy Spirit came to Gentiles at Caesarea, While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also... Acts 10:44-46.

Seating in the Hippodrome with some modern day paintings of ancient pictures added.

It was a beautiful day in Caesarea. We do thank Almighty God for His Grace, His Mercy and for extending the good news of our saviour, the Lord Jesus, to us Gentiles, too.