Basilica of St. John (Day 8 - Kuşadası, Turkey, Part 3)

The Basilica of St. John was an interesting stop in our Ephesian journey.  It is believed that the Apostle John spent his last years in the region around Ephesus and is buried in the southern slope of Ayosolug Hill. Three hundred years after the death of John, a small chapel was constructed over the grave in the 4th century. The church of St. John was changed into a basilica during the reign of Emperor Justinian (527 -565 AD).

Some believe that the Apostle John and Mary, the mother of Jesus, both lived in Ephesus at the end of their lives.  John 19:26-27 records, "When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!  Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home."

Because our journey had taken us from Mary's house to Ephesus before we went to the basilica, I didn't think it was possible that the two lived close to each other.  I pulled up Google maps and learned that Mary's house was less than a half mile from where John lived!  Just a short walk, especially for people accustomed to walking everywhere.

We don't know the facts for sure, but we were told that John came to Ephesus after his exile on Patmos (where he wrote the book of Revelation.)  Whether these are his remains or not, no one really knows.

A highlight of the day was when our wonderful tour guide, Hakan, pointed out a baptistry.  You can see the steps going down on both sides.

Someone started to step into the baptistry and Hakan said, "You don't go in on that side.  You go in over here and go out over there.  You come out different than how you went in!"  Amen!  This guy has been baptized correctly...

The countryside was beautiful and off in the distance are all that remains of the Temple of Artemis.  Known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.  The original temple was built in the 6th century B.C. and had 36 columns.  A newer temple was built in the 2nd century B.C. with 127 columns.  After fires, earthquakes, and looting, all that remains is this single column.

A few more pictures, then it was time for our Biblical lunch at Ephesus park.