A Journey Through Colossae

Colossae was one of the more obscure cities to which the Apostle Paul wrote. It shared the Lycus River Valley with the neighboring cities of Hierapolis and Laodicea. Paul indicated in his letter that he never personally visited the city, but instead chose to support co-workers like Epaphras, who would evangelize the Lycus Valley. Yet when Epaphras informed Paul of some of the issues facing the Colossian church, Paul responded by writing a letter that would become a significant work in religious history.

The natural resources of water and wool would play an integral part in putting the ancient city of Colossae on the map. Colossae derived its name from a plant used to dye wool - a resource for which the entire region would become known. Additionally, the Lycus River provided Colossae with a direct source of cold, fresh water, which was vital to an ancient city. Like many cities to which Paul wrote, the fledgling church was struggling to live out its faith in the midst of the predominantly pagan culture. An understanding of this Greco-Roman culture greatly contributes to deciphering the primary images Paul uses to help the church remain resolute in their faith.

What can be learned by reading not only the letter of Colossians, but by studying the history of the city, along with insights from both Roman and Greek culture, both of which shaped the city? We can begin to piece together some of the pressures that faced the Colossian church, both from pagan influences and by those promoting shallow religious experiences. We can also begin to appreciate and apply Paul's words to our own modern circumstances, which may not be as far removed from Paul's day as one might think. A Journey Through Colossae begins with the history of Colossae and the Lycus River Valley, then provides a narrative commentary on Colossians, and concludes with an examination of what happened to the church to which Paul wrote. The entire context of the Greco-Roman culture of the city begins to emerge when we understand Paul's purpose and audience in this comprehensive study of the book of Colossians.