Colossae

The Tell

Colossae was located 120 miles east of Ephesus in the Lycus River Valley in ancient Phrygia, part of the Roman territory of Asia Minor.  It was one of a triad of cities in the area (the other two being Laodicea and Hierapolis), resting at the foot of Mount Cadmus.  It’s biblical significance lies in the fact that the book of Colossians was addressed to the church here (Col 1:2) and that Philemon lived in this city.

Excavations

Although no excavations have yet taken place, surveys of the site reveal remains on the acropolis including a defensive wall and a pit lined with stones to the west.  A theater lies on the eastern side and a necropolis to the north of the Lycus River, a branch of the Meander.  Flinders University of Australia is currently preparing for an excavation.

The Epistle to the Colossians

Paul had never visited Colossae when he composed his epistle to the church here, but he does imply that Epaphras founded the church, along with those at Laodicea and Hierapolis (Col 1:7-8; 4:12-13).  This was probably during Paul’s third missionary journey, when he preached in Ephesus for two years, “so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks” (Acts 19:10 KJV).

Streams of Cold Water

In John’s message to the Laodicean church (Rev 3:14-22), he speaks of the lukewarmness of Laodicea, that they were “neither cold nor hot” (vv. 15-16).  This local allusion would have been clear to citizens of Laodicea, who knew of the cold, pure waters of nearby Colossae.

Related Websites

Colossae (Christian Travel Study Program)  Attention to the city's location, changing strategic importance, and economic attraction offer insight into the city's situation during the period of Paul's epistle to the church here. 

Colossae (ourfatherlutheran.net)  Incorporates Paul's letter to the Colossians into the overall history of the site, showing the historical context into which the letter fits.  Includes several pictures of the unexcavated site.

Colossae (The Catholic Encyclopedia)  Highlights the biblical significance of the site while briefly describing geographical and physical properties of the site and surrounding area.

Colossae (Third Millennium Ministries)  Briefly depicts the circumstances of Colossae in the first century.

Colossae (WebBible Encyclopedia, ChristianAnswers.net) Summarizes some facts about the site with internal links to related topics.

Colossae (EnjoyTurkey.com) Interests the reader with both physically and biblically descriptive facts.

Colossae (WebBible Encyclopedia, ChristianAnswers.net)  Interests the reader with both physically and biblically descriptive facts, including internal links to related topics.  A copy of this text is available at EnjoyTurkey.com.

Colossae (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)  Summarizes interesting historical, cultural, and biblical facts about the city with internal links to relevant Scriptures.