A prosperous commercial city in the region of Phrygia in northwest Asia Minor. Two neighboring cities with Christian communities, Colossae and Hierapolis (Col 2:1; Col 4:13-16), were in this same river valley. Epaphras, portrayed as one of Paul’s companions, apparently worked in all three cities (Col 4:12-13). According to (Col 4:16), Laodicea received a letter from Paul, and it was to exchange letters with the neighboring community at Colossae. The Laodicean letter is no longer extant unless, as some think, it is to be equated with the work that appears in the NT as Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians. The church of Laodicea was one of the seven rebuked in Revelation (Rev 3:14-22).
Col 2:1
1For I want you to know how much I am struggling for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me face to face.
Col 4:13-16
13For I testify for him that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.14Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.15Give my ... View more
Col 4:12-13
12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you. He is always wrestling in his prayers on your behalf, so that you may stand mature and ful ... View more
Col 4:16
16And when this letter has been read among you, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you read also the letter from Laodicea.
Rev 3:14-22
The Message to Laodicea
14“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the origin of God's creation: ... View more
