Prepare for Greece
Your journey to Greece will immerse you in the world of Paul’s missionary journeys, surround you with stunning landscapes, and fill your heart as you walk in the footsteps of the apostles. From the bustling streets of Athens to the quiet ruins of Philippi, the story of the New Testament comes alive in powerful ways. This journey won’t just change how you see Greece—it will deepen how you see God’s Word at work in history and in your own life.
To prepare well, there are four key areas to focus on:
Prepare your mind with some background learning.
Prepare your stuff so your travels are smooth and comfortable.
Prepare your body so you have the strength and energy to enjoy each day.
Prepare your heart so you’re open to all that God wants to teach you.
Prepare Your Mind
Before you arrive, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with Greece’s geography and history. Look at a map and notice the rugged mountains, the many islands, and the long Aegean coastline. These features shaped the travel of Paul and the early church.
Some highlights you’ll encounter:
Athens: The famous Acropolis and Mars Hill, where Paul preached in Acts 17.
Corinth: A bustling trade city where Paul lived and wrote letters to the Corinthians.
Philippi: The site of Paul’s imprisonment and the birthplace of the first European church.
Thessaloniki: A vital port city and home of Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians.
Meteora: Monasteries perched high on cliffs, a testimony to the devotion of later generations of believers.
It may help to read through Acts 16–18, where much of Paul’s ministry in Greece is recorded. A good Bible atlas or study Bible map will help you visualize the journeys as you trace them on the ground.
Prepare Your Stuff
Bring your Bible or a Bible app so you can follow along with the passages at each site. Reading Acts 17 while standing on Mars Hill is unforgettable.
Some practical packing notes:
Clothing: Summers are hot and dry; spring and fall are milder. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, especially for ruins and uneven terrain. A scarf or wrap is helpful for visiting monasteries or churches where modesty is required (covered shoulders and knees).
Adapters: Greece uses 220V current with European plugs (Type C/F). Phones and laptops usually adapt automatically, but bring plug adapters.
Day bag: Keep a small backpack with water, sunscreen, and a hat. You’ll often be outdoors under strong Mediterranean sun.
Notebook or journal: Jot down insights as you connect Paul’s words with the very places they were written.
Prepare Your Body
Much like Paul and his companions, you’ll be covering plenty of ground. Start walking at home to build stamina, and include some hills to prepare for the steep climbs at archaeological sites.
Jet lag can be challenging—Greece is several hours ahead of the U.S. A sleep aid or melatonin may help those first few nights. Hydration, sunlight, and a balanced sleep schedule will speed your adjustment.
Prepare Your Heart
Traveling to Greece is more than visiting ruins; it’s a chance to hear the gospel anew in the places where it was first proclaimed in Europe. As you stand in ancient theaters, walk Roman roads, and pray in early church sites, you’ll find the Scriptures coming alive in fresh ways.
Here are three ways to prepare spiritually:
Pray—Ask God to prepare your heart to listen as Paul once urged the Greeks to do. Invite friends to pray for your trip.
Read—Focus on Acts 16–18 and Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians, Corinthians, and Philippians. These passages will come to life in their original setting.
Journal—Begin a travel journal before the trip. Write down questions and prayer requests, then add reflections and answered prayers along the way.
The more you prepare, the more Greece will impact you—not just as a traveler, but as a disciple walking in the footsteps of Paul.