1Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
2Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving, 3praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds, 4that I may reveal it as I ought to speak.
5Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
7All my affairs will be made known to you by Tychicus, the beloved brother, faithful servant, and fellow bondservant in the Lord. 8I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, 9together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that is going on here.
10Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received instructions, “if he comes to you, receive him”), 11and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for God’s Kingdom who are of the circumcision, men who have been a comfort to me.
12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13For I testify about him that he has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis. 14Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. 15Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, with Nymphas and the assembly that is in his house. 16When this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans, and that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17Tell Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.”
18I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.
City of Laodicea, Lycus Valley of Asia Minor
Laodicea was situated on the south bank of the Lycus River, with Hierapolis its neighboring city to the north and Colossae to the east. It was one of five cities founded by the Seleucid ruler Antiochus II around 260 BC, which were named after his wife Laodice. Zeus was the main pagan deity of the city. Its location at a major road junction on the southern Anatolian highway caused the city to thrive as a commercial and banking center. After the Treaty of Apamea in 188 B.C., the city was transferred from Seleucid to Pergamene rule. When Roman control came in 129 B.C., Laodicea became a conventus city in the newly organized province of Asia. Twenty pounds of gold bound for the temple in Jerusalem was confiscated here by the proconsul Flaccus. This amount suggests a Jewish population of over 7,500 male adults plus women and children in the area.
Laodicea was often struck by earthquakes. One occurred during the reign of Augustus, and in 60 AD an earthquake devastated many Asian cities including Laodicea. Laodicea recovered from this quake using its own resources, an indication of Laodicea’s wealth and civic independence. The city was noted for a breed of sheep that produced soft, raven–black wool. Laodicea was also the home of a medical school in the first century. Laodicea is mentioned in Paul’s letter to the Colossians, which was to be read to the church in Laodicea (Col 4:16). It is possible that the circular letter to the Ephesians is the letter from the Laodiceans mentioned in the same verse. Laodicea is the final church addressed by John in Revelation 2-3. A bishop named Sagaris was martyred in Laodicea. The Council of Laodicea met here in AD 363.
Roman Road at Laodicea
Theater at Laodicea (Greek architecture)
Column with Menorah and Cross
Temple, Laodicea
Amphitheater at Laodicea
Laodicea