One God Versus Many
“For even though there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, just as there are many “gods” and many “lords,” there is actually to us one God, the Father, from whom all things are and we for him; and there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things are and we through him.” —1 Cor. 8:5,6
As the first ever Bible tour program at the Getty Villa designed by brothers for brothers, we are so pleased to make this amazing tour available in one of the most beautiful places in California! Years of research and development go into the production of a single tour like this so that those who desire to benefit in a spiritual way from such an experience may do so.
We feel quite privileged to have worked closely with Getty officials to create the best tour experience possible for the friends. Knowledgeable brothers and sisters are volunteering their time to lovingly conduct these tours for the benefit of all.
What is the J. P. Getty Villa Museum?
J. Paul Getty was a wealthy philanthropist who collected antiquities from around the world and wanted to share them with the public in a setting that, as he said: “Made them feel at home.” What home? The museum Villa has been painstakingly modeled after an actual villa in a Roman town from the time of Christ called Herculaneum. It was buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 C.E. just 9 years after the destruction of Jerusalem by Rome! The lava perfectly preserved the Villa dei Papiri which, when excavated in the 18th century, proved to be one of the most luxurious private residences in the ancient world. The Getty Villa Museum opened in 1974 and is America’s only museum devoted entirely to Greek, Etruscan, and Roman art.
Where is the Getty Villa located?
Nestled in the hills of Pacific Palisades, just off the Pacific Coast Highway, you will be transported back in time to when Rome was the 6th World Power of Bible prophecy. The views of the Pacific Ocean are breathtaking and it was intentionally designed to give you the feel you are at a remote oceanside country villa in ancient Rome. Parking is easy for cars and buses.
What does it feel like to be at the Getty Villa?
Perhaps you may never visit Greece or Rome but a visit to the Getty Villa will help you capture the atmosphere in your own mind that existed when Greece and Rome were Biblical World Powers! As you enter the Villa, the main drive is paved with large irregular stones, just like the roads in ancient Rome that anointed ones would have walked on while preaching the Good News.
Elaborate Mediterranean gardens, fountains, columns, mosaic tile floors, atriums, and even an amphitheater, will give you an idea what it must have been like for the Apostle Paul and other Christians who lived and preached in that environment. Paul was under ‘house arrest’ in the confines of such a villa for two years! (Acts 28:30) The opulence and wealth of those by-gone eras are accurately recreated here which helps you to imagine the intimidation Christians faced as they stood up to influential pagan opposers – determined to keep their faith.
How may you benefit from the tour?
We hope the tour has the same positive effect on you as it has had on us! There are too many beneficial aspects of the tour to enumerate but here are a few.
How real were the “so-called gods” of the Greeks and Romans to their worshippers?
How did the characteristics of these gods and goddesses affect the behavior of the people?
What challenges did this present to Christians back then who wanted to keep their integrity?
What similarities do the gods and goddesses of the nations, past and present share?
How does the “One God” Jehovah stand out in contrast to the “many gods?”
Do we face issues and influences today that our brothers in the Greco-Roman world faced?
How can the same scriptures they used, help us to keep integrity to the “One God” now?
These are but a few highlights of what your experience can be like if you can join us on this Bible tour at the Getty Villa.
What else do you need to know?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours plus a 1/2 hour break for bathroom/refreshment break at the beautiful Mediterranean Café
The tour guides are well-trained experienced brothers and sisters who volunteer their time for the benefit of others.
There are no additional admission fees to the Getty Villa but there is a fee for parking.
The museum requires timed-entry passes for all tour groups and we obtain these for you and include them in your tour instructions.
Tours are initially being conducted in English and Spanish only.
