
The Lycus river flows through central Anatolia uniting three significant cities: Laodicea, Colossae, and Hierapolis. Adjacent to Hierapolis is Pamukkale, a resort formed by hot springs and beautiful calcified formations. All three of these cities are mentioned in Scripture. Paul wrote a letter to the Colossians and mentioned a letter, now lost, that he wrote while imprisoned in Rome to the church at Laodicea, encouraging them to read each other’s letters:
“Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning

whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, ‘See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord’ (Col. 4:10-17). Laodicea is also one of the seven Asia Minor churches addressed by the Lord in Revelation. Laodicea, well known for its commerce and the manufacture and sale of eye ointment, is criticized for their self-confidence and lack of zeal.

When we visited the site in 1993, Laodicea and Colossae had not been excavated; only a worn sign indicated the location of Laodicea. At Colossae farmers often plowed up portions of ancient columns, an example of which is included. We were told not to take any pieces of this ancient heritage, although one of our group members could not resist doing so. Beginning in 2002 considerable work has been done at Colossae; I include a picture of recent discoveries.

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