Unexpected Return to Caesarea Maritima for St. Paul UCC

Examining the Model of Caesarea Maritima

Most groups do not often have the chance to return to a site for a "second look."  The St. Paul UCC group however returned today to Caesarea Maritima.  Earlier they had time only to see the ancient aqueducts and stroll the beach along the Mediterranean Sea.

Happily, we had the time on the way up to Jerusalem to include Herod the Great's city.  Art Barnes debuted on the stage of the ancient theatre with a monologue and his rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."  His performance was rousing to say the least.  

From there, we explored the ruins of Herod the Great's palace.  We heard the Apostle Paul's "appeal to the emperor" from Acts 25 and examined an inscription noting a gift to Caesar from Pontius Pilate.

After seeing the huge hippodrome, the group settled in for the two-hour ride to Jerusalem.  It had been another beautiful day to be "by the sea."