Egnatian Way
Carousel of images for this Bible Exhibit
The Baptism of Jesus
Jesus’ baptism is depicted in the 19th-century painting. John the Baptist is wearing traditional robes made of camel hair, pouring water over Jesus, who stands before him. The dove from heaven has descended on Jesus, representing the Holy Spirit's presence.
The Spirit Descending on Jesus
This painting from 1895 shows John the Baptist pouring water over Jesus, whose head is illuminated, representing his divine nature. The Holy Spirit, represented by the dove, is descending on Jesus.
The Baptism of Christ
This Renaissance painting from 1591 imagines the scene at the Jordan River where John the Baptizer is pouring water over Jesus as the dove descends from God the Father, pictured in the clouds.
The Baptism of Christ
This Baroque period painting from 1622-1623 imagines the scene of John pouring water over Jesus while the Spirit descends in the form of a dove.
The Baptism of Christ
This 19th-century painting depicts God’s light shining down on Jesus as he rises up out of the water.
Bethany Beyond the Jordan
The baptism site known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” ruins on the eastern side of the Jordan River across from Jericho. This location has been preserved as the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus.
The Baptism Site of Jesus
This is a side view of Jesus’ baptism site, known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan,” on the eastern side of the Jordan River, across from Jericho.
The Modern Jordan River
This picture is of the modern Jordan River near the traditional baptismal site. In Jesus' day, the river would have been significantly wider with a greater water flow.
A Monument Marking Jesus’ Baptism
A cross marking the area of Jesus' baptism site overlooking the Jordan River.
St. John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
This is one of several churches or chapels rebuilt in this area, marking Jesus’ baptism.
Listen to this Bible Exhibit
The Egnatian Way, or Via Egnatia, was a crucial Roman road connecting Macedonia’s east and west coasts. Built in the second century BC under Roman proconsul Gnaeus Egnatius, it facilitated military movements, trade, and cultural exchanges. It stretched about 450 miles from Dyrrhachium in modern-day Albania on the Adriatic Sea to Byzantium or modern-day Istanbul, Turkey, on the Bosporus. The Egnatian Way became Rome’s primary east-west route and was key to the empire’s expansion.
The Egnatian Way also played a pivotal role in history. After Julius Caesar’s assassination, Brutus and Cassius used it to march to Philippi, where they fought Octavian and Mark Antony in 42 BC. Their defeat paved the way for Augustus Caesar’s rise. The military presence along the road strengthened the cities it connected, making them centers of commerce and culture. Built with durable materials, the road varied in width from 13 to 16 feet (4 to 8 meters), with some sections reaching 65 feet (20 meters) wide in cities. Milestones were placed to mark distances, and some still survive today.
More than an engineering feat, the Egnatian Way became a vital path for the spread of the gospel. The Apostle Paul traveled on this road during his second missionary journey, bringing the message of Jesus Christ to key cities such as Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. Paul’s arrival at Neapolis, near Philippi, led to the conversion of Lydia, marking the start of the Philippian church. Acts 16:11-15 He continued along the road, preaching in Thessalonica and later in Berea Acts 17:1-14. His journeys demonstrate how God used Rome’s infrastructure to spread the gospel.
The Thessalonian believers, encouraged by Paul, used this road to spread the gospel throughout Macedonia and beyond 1 Thessalonians 1:8. Later, Ignatius of Antioch traveled this route as he was taken to Rome for execution in AD 110.
Ultimately, the Egnatian Way demonstrates how God, in His sovereignty, used historical developments for His purposes in gospel advance. Initially built for military conquest and commerce, it became a means for expanding God’s kingdom. Paul’s travels along this road highlight the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy on the beauty of the feet are those who bring good news Isaiah 52:7. Once bearing Roman soldiers and merchants, the road carried the message of salvation in Jesus Christ. Though mainly in ruins, the Egnatian Way remains a powerful reminder of God’s work throughout history. Just as it enabled early Christians to spread the gospel, believers today are called to use available means—whether roads, technology, or communication—to share the message of salvation with the world.
This Bible Exhibit is one of the several hundred found on the Bible Compass within the Bible Ventures app
