Saint John the Evangelist spent a significant amount of time in the land of Asia Minor what is called Anatolia or Turkey today. He performed several miracles and had many stories in Asia Minor. Let’s have a look at some of them.
Resurrection of Cleopatra and Lycomedes
John and his companions left Miletus and heaeded for Ephesus. A powerful Magistrate (Judge) from Ephesus named Lycomedes intercepted them and asked them if they are coming from Miletus.
Lycomedes said that God had spoken to him in his dream, and he was ordered by the God to find Saint John the Evangelist for healing his sick wife Cleopatra. Unfortunately already Cleopatra was dead for seven days and Lycomedes thought it was too late.
John said to Lycomedes to take him home, and he would still do the God’s will. Lycomedes could not believe what he hears, but he still took John to his home. John said to Lycomedes to believe in his miracle to happen but Lycomedes could not resist his wife’s demise and died out of sadness.
When locals arrived home to see Lycomedes and his wife Cleopatra, John recited a Biblical passage.
”Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds;r and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Matthew 7:7–8
Following quoting Matthew 7:7–8 Lycomedes and his wife Cleopatra were resurrected. Pagan believers who witnessed this miracle converted into Christianity immediately.
Banishing of Saint John by the Emperor Domitian
Emperor Domitian was worried by Saint John’s rising influence in Ephesus. He ordered his arrest. Later John was taken to Rome as a prisoner. Saint John was sentenced to death by being boiled which was one of the harshest punishments.
A big cauldron of boiling oil was prepared and John was thrown in it. But by the god’s protection, nothing happened to John. Following this miracle Emperor Domitian decided to banish Saint John to Patmos Island on the Aegean Sea.
Hire a Tour Guide to See Saint John the Evangelist’s Legacy in Asia Minor
Planning to visit Turkey any day soon? Don’t skip places visited by Saint John in Turkey during your trip. We can explore Asia Minor together and see the real location where stories of Saint John the Evangelist in Anatolia took place in real life. Contact me to book a professional licensed Biblical tour guide in Asia Minor. See you soon, Hasan Gülday.
