However, who established the congregations in Colossae, Hierapolis, and Laodicea?
Colossae, Laodicea,
and Hierapolis were cities in the same area of Asia Minor.
That was so for Christians in Colossae, a city east of Ephesus in Asia Minor.
The early Christians of Ephesus and Colossae sang“ psalms and praises to God” literally,“ hymns”.
The news Epaphras brought from Colossae indicated that this had been taking place to some extent.
not to be confused with Epaphras of Colossae) was willing to carry out that difficult mission.
In his letter to Christians in Colossae, Paul warned against the“ worship of the angels.”
- Colossians 2: 18.
To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father,
Connections: As with all the early churches, the problem of Jewish legalism in Colossae was of great concern to Paul.
On this journey back to Colossae, apparently Onesimus and Tychicus were entrusted with three of Paul's letters,
now included in the Bible canon.
To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father,
and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Writing to Christians in Colossae, Paul stated:“ Go on walking in wisdom toward those on the outside,
buying out the opportune time for yourselves.
Yes, even while he was Paul's“ fellow captive” in Rome,
Epaphras was thinking about his beloved brothers in Colossae, Laodicea, and Hierapolis and praying for them.
A letter may also have been delivered to the congregation in Laodicea, a city about 11 miles[
18 km] from Colossae.- Ephesians 6:
21; Colossians 4: 7- 9, 16; Philemon 10- 12.
We may well imagine that a journey of this kind could have aroused worry and uncertainty, but Epaphroditus(
not to be confused with Epaphras of Colossae) was willing to carry out that difficult mission.
Those who lived in Colossae, a city in west-
central Asia Minor, doubtless met up with the mother- goddess worship and spiritism of the native Phrygians, the pagan philosophy of the Greek settlers, and the Judaism of the Jewish colony.