People had money to burn in Caesarea. As one of the largest seaports on the eastern Mediterranean—and located along the International highway—Caesarea enjoyed a constant flow of people and commerce.
The bustling seaport featured all the usual touches of Roman culture—including a vast entertainment industry for the masses that frequented the city.
This hub of transportation became the means by which people received more than a good show.
They received good news.
Caesarea had an immense amphitheater and hippodrome that could accommodate well over 10,000 spectators for sporting events and chariot races (think Ben Hur).
A massive theater for 3500 spectators overlooked the ocean. The setting sun over the sea would have provided a marvelous backdrop for theatrical performances. Today’s restored theater still offers a popular venue for concerts in Israel.
(Google Street View: Explore Caesarea’s Hippodrome)
During the first Jewish Revolt, the Roman General Titus—who leveled Jerusalem’s temple in AD 70—forced 2500 Jews to combat wild beasts in Caesarea’s amphitheater.
During the second Jewish Revolt, the Rabbi Akiva was executed in Caesarea along with his disciples and other Jewish captives. The state-of-the-art Visitor’s Center next to the ancient harbor tells Rabbi Akiva’s story.
Caesarea also played a prominent role in the history of Christianity.
In the third century, Origen of Alexandria moved to Caesarea and explored biblical sites in order to better understand the Scriptures.
Eusebius of Caesarea, a pupil of Origen, wrote the first historical geography of Bible lands. You can still get a copy today, finally in English.
(Google Street View: Explore Caesarea’s restored theater)
Even today, with more than one million visitors a year, Caesarea National Park remains a great place to entertain people with money to burn. But the many tourists who come here also hear of Philip, Peter, and Paul—whose legacy continues to make Caesarea a place of education and evangelism.
More than a good show, Caesarea still is a place of good news.
What ways do you see God using places of entertainment today as venues for evangelism? Wayne Stiles