Topical Encyclopedia Colossae was an ancient city located in the region of Phrygia in Asia Minor, which is present-day Turkey. It is most notably recognized in the Christian tradition as the recipient of the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Colossians. The city was situated near the Lycus River, a tributary of the Meander River, and was part of a tri-city area that included Laodicea and Hierapolis.Historical and Geographical Context Colossae was once a prominent city in the region, known for its production of a distinctive wool cloth called "colossinus." However, by the time of the New Testament, it had diminished in importance compared to its neighboring cities, Laodicea and Hierapolis. Despite its reduced status, Colossae remained a significant location for early Christianity. Biblical Significance The Apostle Paul wrote the Epistle to the Colossians while he was imprisoned, traditionally believed to be in Rome. Although Paul had not personally visited Colossae, he had a close relationship with Epaphras, a native of the city and a fellow worker in the Gospel (Colossians 1:7). Epaphras is credited with founding the church in Colossae and is described as a "faithful minister of Christ" (Colossians 1:7). The letter to the Colossians addresses several theological issues, including the preeminence of Christ, warnings against false teachings, and instructions for Christian living. Paul emphasizes the supremacy of Christ, stating, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation" (Colossians 1:15). The epistle also contains exhortations for believers to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit in every good work (Colossians 1:10). Cultural and Religious Context Colossae, like many cities in Asia Minor, was a melting pot of various cultural and religious influences. The city was home to a diverse population, including Greeks, Jews, and native Phrygians. This diversity likely contributed to the syncretistic tendencies that Paul addresses in his letter, warning against the adoption of pagan philosophies and practices that were contrary to the Gospel (Colossians 2:8). Archaeological Insights Despite its biblical significance, Colossae has not been extensively excavated. However, archaeological surveys have identified the site, and some remains of the ancient city have been uncovered, including the acropolis and necropolis. These findings provide valuable insights into the city's layout and historical context. Legacy The message of the Epistle to the Colossians continues to resonate with Christians today, emphasizing the centrality of Christ in all aspects of life and the importance of adhering to sound doctrine. The church in Colossae serves as a testament to the spread of Christianity in the early centuries and the enduring impact of Paul's apostolic ministry. Easton's Bible Dictionary Or Colosse, a city of Phrygia, on the Lycus, which is a tributary of the Maeander. It was about 12 miles above Laodicea, and near the great road from Ephesus to the Euphrates, and was consequently of some mercantile importance. It does not appear that Paul had visited this city when he wrote his letter to the church there (Colossians 1:2). He expresses in his letter to Philemon (ver. 1:22) his hope to visit it on being delivered from his imprisonment. From Colossians 1:7; 4:12 it has been concluded that Epaphras was the founder of the Colossian church. This town afterwards fell into decay, and the modern town of Chonas or Chonum occupies a site near its ruins. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia COLOSSAEko-los'-e (Kolossai, "punishment"; the King James Version Colosse): A city of Phrygia on the Lycus River, one of the branches of the Meander, and 3 miles from Mt. Cadmus, 8,013 ft. high. It stood at the head of a gorge where the two streams unite, and on the great highway traversing the country from Ephesus to the Euphrates valley, 13 miles from Hierapolis and 10 from Laodicea. Its history is chiefly associated with that of these two cities. Early, according to both Herodotus and Xenophon, it was a place of great importance. There Xerxes stopped 481 B.C. (Herodotus vii.30) and Cyrus the Younger marched 401 B.C. (Xen. Anab. i.2, 6). From Colossians 2:1 it is not likely that Paul visited the place in person; but its Christianization was due to the efforts of Epaphras and Timothy (Colossians 1:1, 7), and it was the home of Philemon and Epaphras. That a church was established there early is evident from Colossians 4:12, 13 Revelation 1:11; Revelation 3:14. As the neighboring cities, Hierapolis and Laodicea, increased in importance, Colosse declined. There were many Jews living there, and a chief article of commerce, for which the place was renowned, was the collossinus, a peculiar wool, probably of a purple color. In religion the people were specially lax, worshipping angels. Of them, Michael was the chief, and the protecting saint of the city. It is said that once he appeared to the people, saving the city in time of a flood. It was this belief in angels which called forth Paul's epistle (Colossians 2:18). During the 7th and 8th centuries the place was overrun by the Saracens; in the 12th century the church was destroyed by the Turks and the city disappeared. Its site was explored by Mr. Hamilton. The ruins of the church, the stone foundation of a large theater, and a necropolis with stones of a peculiar shape are still to be seen. During the Middle Ages the place bore the name of Chonae; it is now called Chonas. Greek 2857. Kolossai -- Colossae, a city in Phrygia ... Colossae, a city in Phrygia. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Kolossai Phonetic Spelling: (kol-os-sah'-ee) Short Definition: Colossae Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2857.htm - 6k 751. Archippos -- "horse-ruler," Archippus, a Christian at ... 682. Apphia -- Apphia, a Christian woman in Colossae 2993. Laodikeia -- Laodicea, a city in Phrygia 5371. Philemon -- "kindly," Philemon, a Christian 2858 -- Colossian. 2404. Hierapolis -- Hierapolis, a city in Asia 3682. Onesimos -- "useful," Onesimus, a Christian Library The Epistle to the Colossians. Marcus, My Son The Epistle to Philemon The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Colossians --The Epistle of ... The Supremacy of Christ The Epistle to Philemon. The Epistle to the Colossians The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Ephesians The Epistle to the Ephesians First Missionary Journey Scripture Thesaurus Colossae (1 Occurrence)... ruins. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. COLOSSAE. ko ... Chonas. EJ Banks. Multi-Version Concordance Colossae (1 Occurrence). Colossians ... /c/colossae.htm - 9k Colos'sae (1 Occurrence) Colossians (1 Occurrence) Granted (102 Occurrences) Colors (12 Occurrences) Laodiceans (2 Occurrences) Saints (117 Occurrences) True (305 Occurrences) Peace (523 Occurrences) Faithful (136 Occurrences) Resources Who was Archippus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Onesimus in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Regulative vs. normative principle of worship'which viewpoint is correct? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Colossae (1 Occurrence)Colossians 1:2 Subtopics Related Terms |
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