Lexical Summary Hierapolis: Hierapolis Original Word: Ἱεράπολις Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Hierapolis. From hieros and polis; holy city; Hierapolis, a place in Asia Minor -- Hierapolis. see GREEK hieros see GREEK polis NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hieros and polis Definition Hierapolis, a city in Asia NASB Translation Hierapolis (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2404: ἹεράπολιςἹεράπολις (WH ἱερά Πόλις; cf. Buttmann, 74; Lob. ad Phryn. 604f), ἱερεαπολεως, ἡ, Hierapolis, a city of Greater Phrygia, near the river Maeander (or rather, near the Lycus a few miles above its junction with the Maeander), not far from Colossae and Laodicea, now Pambuck Kulasi (for references see Lightfoot on Col., p. 1f; B. D. American edition, under the word): Colossians 4:13. Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning Ἱεράπολις means “holy city,” a title that reflects both its many pagan temples and, later, its reputation as a center of Christian witness in the Lycus Valley of Asia Minor. Biblical Reference Hierapolis is mentioned once in the New Testament. Writing from prison, Paul commends the ministry of Epaphras: “For I testify about him that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis” (Colossians 4:13). This solitary reference is enough to show that a congregation had been planted there and was dear to the apostle’s heart. Geographical Setting Situated on a plateau above the Lycus River (modern Pamukkale in Turkey), Hierapolis lay only a few miles from Laodicea and Colossae. Its famous thermal springs create striking white travertine terraces, making the site easily identifiable today. The road system of the Roman province of Asia linked all three cities, facilitating commerce and the spread of the gospel. Historical Background Founded in the Hellenistic period and later absorbed into the Roman Empire, Hierapolis flourished as a spa and religious center. Commerce, textile production, and health tourism drew a transient population that brought wide-ranging ideas and cults. Temples to Apollo, Artemis, and the Anatolian mother-goddess Cybele dominated the skyline in Paul’s day. Religious Climate at the Time of Paul The city’s identity as a “holy city” was rooted in syncretistic worship and veneration of healing deities tied to its hot springs. Magical arts and mystery religions likely competed with the gospel much as they did in nearby Ephesus (Acts 19:18–20). Against this backdrop, the presence of a Christian fellowship testifies to the transforming power of the message of Christ crucified and risen. Christian Origins in Hierapolis The churches of Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis appear to share a common founder in Epaphras (Colossians 1:7; 4:12-13). Paul had not personally visited them (Colossians 2:1), so Epaphras probably carried the gospel from Ephesus during Paul’s lengthy ministry there (Acts 19:10). The tri-city network suggests close cooperation, mutual prayer support, and perhaps circulation of apostolic letters (compare Colossians 4:16). Notable Figures Associated with Hierapolis • Epaphras – church planter and tireless intercessor. Archaeological Testimony Excavations reveal a large fifth-century basilica, inscriptions bearing Christian symbols, and the octagonal Martyrium of Philip. These remains confirm a thriving church that endured well beyond the apostolic age, eventually contributing bishops to the councils of the fourth and fifth centuries. Theological and Ministry Significance 1. Gospel Penetration of Pagan Strongholds – A city dedicated to pagan healing became a base for proclaiming the Great Physician. Practical Reflections Believers today, like those of Hierapolis, often minister where secular or syncretistic worldviews dominate. Epaphras’s example encourages persistent prayer, hard work, and confidence that Christ’s church can flourish even in environments saturated with alternative spiritualities. Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance ἰδίοις — 10 Occ.ἴδιον — 18 Occ. ἴδιος — 1 Occ. ἰδίου — 11 Occ. ἰδίους — 5 Occ. ἰδιῶται — 2 Occ. ἰδιώτης — 2 Occ. ἰδιώτου — 1 Occ. Ἰδουμαίας — 1 Occ. ἱδρὼς — 1 Occ. ἱερατείαν — 1 Occ. ἱερατείας — 1 Occ. ἱεράτευμα — 2 Occ. ἱερατεύειν — 1 Occ. Ἰερεμίαν — 1 Occ. Ἰερεμίου — 2 Occ. ἱερέα — 2 Occ. ἱερεῖ — 3 Occ. ἱερεῖς — 11 Occ. ἱερέων — 2 Occ. |
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