The Parthenon of the Acropolis

Mat 6:19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Mat 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
Mat 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.


The Parthenon was a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena who saved the Athenians from the Persians. It was completed in 438 B.C. Its interior held the gold and ivory statue of Ahtena Parthenos shown holding Nike ("Victory") in her right hand. The enclosure was ornamented with many other elaborate statues.

There are numerous ancient monuments scattered out over a great expanse of the inner city of Athens still standing today. They represent a sampling of the many 'gods' the Athenians worshiped. It is no wonder Paul had such a burden to climb Mars' Hill and preach to the men of Athens.

These old ruins of eras long past are very interesting and exciting to visit. I've discovered there is a lesson to be learned, they are empty. There are no gold and ivory statues, no golden treasure or jewels; just empty hollow temples built to unknown gods who served no purpose.

As Christians we should be a witness to those around us who are placing their earthly treasures where the things of this world will destroy. It is our responsibility to tell them about Jesus Christ. The one and only true treasure that will never rust and nothing can destroy, nor can anything or anyone take Him away from you once you have accepted Him as your Lord and Savior. Encourage someone to place their faith in Jesus Christ, not some empty hollow temple of whatever form or fashion it may be. Be courageous......be a Paul!

Act 18:9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
Act 18:10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.

Men of Athens

View of Athens from top of Mars Hill

Act 17:22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
Act 17:23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
Act 17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

In June Randy and I were blessed with the opportunity to visit Greece. We had the privilege of spending a few extra days in Athens, where we were able to see the Acropolis, the Parthenon and climb Mars' hill. In addition to those marvelous sites we also traveled by bus for a tour of the Ancient City of Corinth.

As we followed our tour guide through the unearthed archaeological finds of Ancient Corinth, and as he instructed us to open our Bibles and read scriptures pertaining to particular locations, it really made the tour come alive! It was very spiritually overwhelming to stand on the same ground, such as Mars' Hill and the Ancient City of Corinth and read from God's Word, the Holy Bible; the Apostle Paul's own words. It's hard to explain what it does to you or how it makes you feel. Randy and I came away from our journey to Greece deeply touched, closer to God and with a greater desire to delve deeper into His word.

Act 17:29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.