This is Actually Happening in My Lifetime!
A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is celebrating the voices of those who proclaim the hope and truth of God’s Word with boldness and grace. Today, I have the privilege of introducing you to my dear friend, Carol Kent—a woman of deep faith, unwavering courage, and extraordinary wisdom.
Carol’s powerful testimony and passionate teaching have encouraged countless people to trust God in the midst of life’s hardest trials. She speaks with authenticity, compassion, and biblical truth, equipping others to stand firm in faith no matter the circumstances.
It is an honor to share my platform with her, and I know you will be inspired and strengthened by her words.
The call took me by surprise. A ministry friend I deeply respected asked if I would be interested in praying about the possibility of co-leading a trip to Greece to trace the footsteps of Paul, the apostle who preached and ministered in many key cities in that country.
The friend was Carol McLeod—and it didn’t take me long to sense that God’s hand was on this amazing opportunity—which eventually also included an optional tour to Israel.
We are both thrilled to invite you, your spouse, and your friends to join us. I’d love for you to hear about some of the cities we’ll be visiting.
Walking in Paul’s Footsteps: 5 Cities That Shaped Early Christianity
The Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys changed the course of history, spreading the gospel across the Roman Empire and laying the foundation for the church as we know it. Among the many places he visited, five cities in Greece stand out as key locations where his ministry flourished despite great challenges. Each place carries a powerful lesson that can inspire us today.
Let’s explore Thessaloniki, Philippi, Berea, Athens, and Corinth—their biblical significance and what they teach us about faith, perseverance, and boldness in sharing the gospel.
1. Thessaloniki – Bold Faith in the Face of Opposition
Paul arrived in Thessaloniki (Thessalonica) during his second missionary journey and preached in the synagogue for three Sabbaths (Acts 17:1-9). Many Jews and Greeks believed, but opposition arose quickly, and Paul was forced to flee. Despite the persecution, the Thessalonian church became an example of unwavering faith and endurance.
📖 “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Thessalonians 1:3
✍️ “Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible.” – Corrie Ten Boom
💡 Action Step: When facing opposition or discouragement, remember the Thessalonians. Stay rooted in faith, labor in love, and endure with hope—God sees your perseverance and will strengthen you.
2. Philippi – Worship in the Midst of Trials
In Philippi, Paul and Silas encountered Lydia, a businesswoman who became the first recorded Christian convert in Europe (Acts 16:13-15). Later, they were beaten and imprisoned, yet they prayed and worshiped—and an earthquake miraculously freed them! This led to the conversion of the Philippian jailer and his family (Acts 16:25-34).
📖 “About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” – Acts 16:25
✍️ “True faith is not found in the absence of trials, but in the presence of God during them.” – Charles Spurgeon
💡 Action Step: Worship through the trials. When life feels like a prison of pain or uncertainty, remember that praise shifts your focus from problems to God’s power.
3. Berea – A Passion for God’s Word
When Paul reached Berea (now called Veria), he found a community that eagerly examined the Scriptures to verify his teachings (Acts 17:10-12). Unlike some cities where he faced immediate hostility, the Bereans were open-hearted and discerning, making them a model for biblical study and wisdom.
📖 “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character… for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day.” – Acts 17:11
✍️“The Bible is the only book whose author is always present when one reads it.” – R.C. Sproul
💡 Action Step: Be like the Bereans—study Scripture daily.
4. Athens – Engaging the Culture with Truth
Athens was the intellectual and philosophical capital of the ancient world, filled with idols and philosophical debates. Paul spoke at the Areopagus, using the Athenians’ altar “To an Unknown God” as a starting point to introduce the true God (Acts 17:16-34). While some mocked him, others believed, including Dionysius and Damaris.
📖 “In Him we live and move and have our being.” – Acts 17:28
✍️ “We are not to be isolated, but insulated, moving in the midst of evil but untouched by it.” – Billy Graham
💡 Action Step: Engage the culture with wisdom. Instead of avoiding difficult conversations, use them as opportunities to share Christ in a way people can understand.
5. Corinth – God’s Strength in Our Weakness
Corinth was a commercial hub known for wealth and immorality. Despite opposition, Paul stayed there for 18 months, establishing a church that struggled with divisions, sin, and spiritual immaturity (Acts 18:1-11). Yet, God reassured Paul, “Do not be afraid… I have many people in this city.” (Acts 18:9-10). His later letters to the Corinthians emphasized God’s grace and the power of unity in Christ.
📖 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
✍️ “You don’t have to be perfect, just willing. God does the rest.” – Christine Caine
💡 Action Step: Don’t let weakness stop you. If God called you, He will equip you. Lean on His strength, not your own.
Paul’s journey through Greece was not just about history—it’s a call for us today to live boldly for Christ.
Will you prayerfully ask God if this trip is for you?
Walking Through the Wilderness with Erin Warren
Tune into the Significant Women Podcast with Carol McLeod today for an engaging and encouraging conversation with author Erin Warren! Erin’s passion is to gather, encourage, and equip women to discover God’s word through her ministry Feasting on Truth. Erin has experienced her share of life’s wilderness through family health challenges and more, but has used her circumstances as an opportunity to truly trust in God’s provision.
Connect with Erin and order her books at https://erinhwarren.com/