Origins of Christianity with Dr John Dickson
OVERVIEW
What really happened in first-century Galilee and Judaea? Join author and historian John Dickson on a journey throughout the length and breadth of modern Israel—from the Dead Sea to Lake Galilee, from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean. We will investigate the key sites of Jesus’ life, explore his cultural background, separate fact from fiction, and piece together how a peasant preacher changed the course of history.
Rather than a spiritual pilgrimage, this tour is a historical and cultural adventure, complete with daily onsite lectures from Dr Dickson covering the Varieties of First-Century Judaism, the Social and Political Influence of Rome, Jesus the Healer, the Causes of his Death, How Christianity Spread, and much more. Find out more about John Dickson at www.johndickson.org
Some of what our past travellers have said about this tour:
“The tour was totally amazing. We could not believe how much we saw each day and how efficiently everything lined up. The thought that John has given in how the sites contributed to the story was very helpful and built into such a rich image of first century life.”
“This was the trip of a lifetime and will not be forgotten! So many treasured Selah moments!”
“The talks at the following: the Herodium, Gamla, the teaching steps, the Holy Sepulcher, Caesarea Maritima. These we’re especially impactful in conveying the contrast of Jesus kingship and kingdom with Herod and the Jewish Zealots, how radical Jesus’ teaching was in his day, how strong the historical evidence is for the resurrection.”
“Awesome trip, and it has really given extra depth to our understanding and appreciation for Jesus. This week at church there were a couple of moments where we had flash backs to the trip and had the stronger understanding of what was being described.”
“The trip was fun and very informative. The travel in Israel was well organized, Hotels were comfortable and the meals were very good.”
“The Origins of Christianity Tour was an experience that has really increased my understanding of the Scriptures. I certainly recommend it!”
“Absolutely wonderful travelling to the Holy Land with Selah taking care of everything. It was wonderful to be able to do it with Selah in 2022. For anyone who loves history, the bible and seeing the actual location/setting of historical events, the Origins of Christianity Tour ticks all the boxes.”
“The Origins of Christianity tour brings the Bible to life. You will read old stories with new eyes and connect many dots. The many precious Selah moments will not disappoint!”
“Selah excels at providing exciting, well organised tours for large and small groups. No matter the size of the group, they never lose their personal touch. Selah love what they do and their carefully planned tours reflect their passion for travel.”
Prof John Dickson
John’s story is eclectic. Starting out as a professional singer-songwriter, he now works as an author, speaker, historian, and media presenter. He has published 20 books, two of which have become television documentaries, with a third (For the Love of God: How the Church is Better and Worse than you Ever Imagined) released in cinemas and on ABC TV in late 2018. He has taught a course on the Historical Jesus at the University of Sydney, Australia, and researches the origins of Christianity in the Roman empire. For 2017-19 he is also a Visiting Academic in the Faculty of Classics at Oxford University in the UK. John has served as Distinguished Fellow in Public Christianity at Ridley College Melbourne, and has recently been appointed as the inaugural Jean Kvamme Distinguished Chair in Biblical Evangelism & Distinguished Scholar in Public Christianity at Wheaton College, Illinois. His much loved podcast “Undeceptions” has reached over one million downloads! In all that he does, whether in the media or the church, creative or academic, he strives to be a public advocate for the Christian faith in doubting times. Having lost his father in an air disaster at 9, John is mindful of the sorrows and doubts of our world, and values his wife and three children above all other gifts of this life.
ITINERARY
If you are making your own flight arrangements, please be checked in at the hotel in Jerusalem and ready to meet the group by 2.30pm in the hotel lobby.
This afternoon, we will visit the Tower of David to enjoy an overview of Israel’s history and the geography of Jerusalem. Return to the hotel in the for a pre-dinner lecture by Dr Dickson on ‘Jesus in Contemporary Scholarship’.
Hotel: Herbert Samuel Hotel, Jerusalem
Included Meals:
An early start, with a fantastic day trip today departing Jerusalem through the Judean wilderness to the fortress of Masada built by King Herod.
Continue to Qumran, the site of the discovery of the Dead Sea scrolls in 1947 and home to an exclusive Jewish sect known as ‘Essenes’. We then travel to the Dead Sea for a swim and stop to enjoy the spectacular view from the Wadi Qelt, the famous road from Jericho to Jerusalem.
Return to Jerusalem for dinner. Lecture topic: ‘The Judaism(s) of Jesus’ Day’.
Hotel: Herbert Samuel Hotel, Jerusalem
Included Meals:
Today we make an early start to visit the Dome of the Rock located at the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem (security permitting). From here we will travel to Herodian, the city built by King Herod & where he was buried.
We then visit the New City of Jerusalem at the Israel Museum where you can see the Dead Sea scrolls and an impressive model of Jerusalem as it was in the period just before its devastation by the Romans in AD 70.
Transfer back to the hotel or stay behind and enjoy the other exhibits at the Israel Museum.
Hotel: Cassia King Solomon Hotel, Jerusalem
Included Meals:
Lecture onsite: “Galilee and the beginnings of Jesus’ ministry”.
Continue to Tiberias and check in to our hotel overlooking the Sea of Galilee. Dinner tonight at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Galei Kinnaret Hotel, Sea of Galilee
Included Meals:
Enjoy a boat trip on Lake Galilee to Capernaum. Brief lecture on site: “Jesus among the healers of his day.”
Return to the hometown of Mary Magdalene and the site of recently discovered first century building including a synagogue (next door to our hotel). We will enjoy a traditional St Peter's fish lunch.
Brief lecture onsite at Magdala: “The women in Jesus’ life”.
Return to our hotel for some free time before dinner tonight at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Galei Kinnaret Hotel, Sea of Galilee
Included Meals:
Hotel: Herbert Samuel Hotel, Jerusalem
Included Meals:
Sunrise at Mount of Olives gives you an exceptional overview of the Old City of Jerusalem. Return to the hotel for breakfast. We then visit the impressive Davidson Archaeological Park, located next to the Temple Mount. The Centre combines an exhibition of a rich archaeological content and computerized media, artefacts exhibitions, and an illustrated and visual exhibition following events spanning 5000 years from the Canaanite Age through to the First Temple period.
Onsite Lecture: ‘The Causes of Jesus’ Arrest and Death’
Lunch in Old City (own expense) followed by the afternoon free to explore the Old City. You can easily walk back to the hotel at your leisure (approximately 15 mins).
Hotel: Herbert Samuel Hotel, Jerusalem
Included Meals:
Of course you are also welcome to worship at a Sunday service with local Christians.
We can also book you on a half day tour to visit Bethlehem. See FAQs for details.
Hotel: Herbert Samuel Hotel, Jerusalem
Included Meals:
An early morning visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre with a lecture on “What can historians say about Jesus’ resurrection”? Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Mid morning, we drive to the Mediterranean coast to Caesarea Maritima, the port that the apostle Paul departed from on his missionary journeys. Enjoy lunch here and a tour of the site. Dr Dickson will deliver a lecture onsite “How Christianity became a world religion’. Weather permitting enjoy a swim in the Mediterranean Sea.
Our farewell dinner will be on the Rooftop at the Notre Dame Centre in Jerusalem. This will be a time of great celebration and reflection on all that we have experienced.
Hotel: Herbert Samuel Hotel, Jerusalem
Included Meals:
There will be one free airport transfer for EK932 that departs at 7.35pm.
Included Meals:
We will drive to Mt Nebo, where Moses saw the Promised Land for the first time, and where you will bid it farewell!
Take the Kings Highway south towards Petra with lunch at a local restaurant along the way.
On arrival we will check into our Petra hotel for some rest and then dinner.
Hotel: Petra Pillars Hotel, Petra
Included Meals:
Known as the ‘Pink-Rose City’ or the “Lost City” is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World. A breathtaking walking tour today through the ruins of ancient Petra – the city that the Nabateans carved out of solid rock dating back to 300 BC! Special moments to walk through a passage the Siq, which dramatically opens up to reveal the Treasury Building (Al-Khazneh). We will see also the Roman Theatre, Corinthian tomb, Palace of Pharos’s Daughter, the Carved Roman Theatre and the Royal Courts, along with one of the oldest Cathedral of the Bishop high-chair.
The guide will give you free time and advise what time the bus will return to the hotel. If you want to stay longer you are most welcome and take a local taxi back to the hotel at your leisure.
After dinner at the hotel, we will return to the Petra site for Petra by Night - a one of a kind experience, where you will see Petra by candlelight.
Hotel: Petra Pillars Hotel, Petra
Included Meals:
On arrival we will have an Amman City Tour - Amman is the capital of Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan which was founded 7000 years ago. The major highlights of the City: Amman Citadel: where you can visit Amman Archaeological Museum, Hercules Temple, Byzantine Church & the Ummayad Palace. The Roman Amphitheatre is in the down town next to the Folklore Museum.
Check in to your hotel for some rest and get ready for our farewell dinner at a local Jordanian restaurant.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Amman
Included Meals:
Included Meals:
Highlights
- Dr John Dickson as your expert leader with onsite lectures and insights
- Learning about the different sects of Judaism
- Travelling to Judeo sites to gain a greater understanding of where Christianity was birthed from
- The tour is both for believers and skeptics – all are welcome
- Air and tour or tour only options available
TOUR INCLUDES
Travel with
like-minded people
Expert
Tour Leaders
Option of land
only package
Option of upgrading
to single room
Meals
Sights and entry
fees listed
OUR PRICING
| Category | Description | Twin PP | Single |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour only - Israel | Not including airfares | $6,999.99 | $10,299.00 |
| Jordan extension | 3 nights | $1,685.00 | $2,280.00 |
| Tour & Airfare | TBC | TBC | |
| Tour, Jordan extension & Airfare | TBC | TBC |
We have 30 rooms for sale. Minimum of 45 passengers.
Airfares will be released in late October 2023.
GALLERY
