Wednesday, June 6: Colossae, Laodicea and Hierapolis

We continue overland making our way north through Lycus River valley. We will visit three cities in close proximity to one another – Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis. It is important for us to remember that Jesus often uses those whom Paul reached to extend the kingdom even further. The church at Colossae was first established through Epaphras, who had come to faith in Ephesus during the Paul’s third missionary journey (AD 52-57). Epaphras returned to his native city of Colossae. He proclaimed the gospel there and to the neighboring cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis (Col 1:7; 4:12). This dedicated servant of Christ would later visit Paul in Rome and bring good news of the churches spreading along the cities of the Lycus River valley. Paul writes his letter to the Colossians to encourage these believers in their new life in Christ. The letter is entrusted to Tychichus, who travels with a fellow convert from Colossae named Onesimus (Col 4:7-9).

After his distinctive greeting of grace and peace, Paul shares his thanksgiving and prayer to God for them (Col 1:3-14). He has heard about their faith in Christ, their love for Christ’s people, and their hope in Christ’s return. These truths in the gospel are bearing fruit and spreading throughout the world (see also Acts 6:7; 19:10). Paul prays that they may be filled with the knowledge of his will “to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col 1:10). He prays that they might be strengthened with power and joy, thanking the Father who has granted them a share in the inheritance with God’s people in radiant glory (Col 1:12). The Colossians have been rescued from the domain of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of God’s beloved Son in whom they have redemption and forgiveness of sins (Col 1:13-14).

The glorious accomplishment of the cross leads Paul into praise and worship. He bursts into poetry when he considers the surpassing greatness of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, our Creator, Redeemer, and Lord:

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. (Col 1:15-20)

As we tour the cities of the Lycus River valley, we will see several remarkable sites and make a number of important connections. The site of Colossae is actually one of the few unexcavated biblical sites in modern Turkey. The large archaeological tell rises on the south side of the Lycus valley. A few stone blocks are visible on the surface and spoila (reused ancient building material) are scattered in nearby fields. This is the city where Philemon and his wife Apphia hosted the church in their home (Philemon 1:1-2). This is where the drama of reconciliation would play out between Philemon and the fugitive slave named Onesimus who became a Christian brother through Paul’s ministry.

We will also visit the vast site of Laodicea. Paul mentions this community in Colossians 4:15. Laodicea is one of the cites that Jesus later addresses directly in Revelation (Rev 3:14-22). We will end the day further north at the spectacular site of ancient Hierapolis. We will see evidence of the vibrant Jewish community during Paul’s day and the remains of the ancient synagogue. We will see the recently discovered tomb of Philip, one of the twelve apostles who walked with our Lord and died as a martyr in Hierapolis. We will end the day at the unique mineral springs that have formed cascading pools of travertine limestone over the centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known in today as Pamukkale (“Cotton Castle”).

Pamukkale

Key sites: Colossae, Laodicea, Hierapolis (Pamukkale)

Key Scripture References:

Paul’s letters to the Colossians and his letter to Philemon

Key Readings:

Peter Walker, In the Steps of Paul, chapter 5

Mark Wilson, Biblical Turkey, 197-199, 236-257

David Palmer, CASKET EMPTY: God’s Plan of Redemption through History New Testament Study Guide, Pentecost part 2, Teaching part 2.
(NOTE: You will find a complete list of texts that will be referenced in the blog on the Recommended Readings page.)

Additional recommended resources:

Dr. Constantine Campbell, NT Professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, presents a series of onsite videos documenting Paul’s missionary journeys entitled: In Pursuit of Paul.

Videos:

Time-lapse of Laodicea (modern Denizli)

The hot mineral springs of ancient Hierapolis (modern Pammukale)