Petra
Carved into rose-red cliffs in the heart of the Jordanian desert, Petra is one of the world’s most iconic archaeological wonders. Though famous for its majestic façades and Nabataean tombs, Petra also holds deep biblical and spiritual resonance. It is believed by some scholars to be linked with the ancient Edomite and Nabataean civilizations mentioned in the Old Testament, and the area surrounding Petra is steeped in stories of prophets, kings, and desert wanderings. Walking through the Siq, the narrow gorge that opens up to the spectacular Treasury, feels like entering a sacred narrative, a journey through time and mystery. Beyond its grandeur, Petra is a place of reflection, resilience, and revelation. The silence of its hidden valleys and the majesty of its temples invite every visitor to look beyond the stone and glimpse the eternal dialogue between humanity, nature, and the divine. It is a place where history becomes pilgrimage, and beauty becomes a path to inner discovery.
The Apostle Paul in Petra
After his conversion, the Apostle Paul spent about three years in Arabia before returning to Damascus and eventually traveling to Jerusalem.
In Paul’s time, “Arabia” referred to a region that included the Nabatean kingdom of Arabia Petrea, a territory south and east of Palestine with its capital in Petra.
Paul states he went to Arabia to avoid immediate consultation with other apostles and to receive direct revelation from God, which was crucial for preparing him to preach to the Gentiles. While specific events are not recorded, commentators suggest Paul used this time for prayer, studying the scriptures, and receiving spiritual formation and instruction directly from Christ
The early Christians in Petra
After the Romans destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD, many Christians fled to Jordan where they knew they would be safe and free to practice their religion. The first city they went to was Pella in the North of Jordan and then they made their way down to Petra, the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom.
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