Colossae, Colossians

Definition

In New Testament times, Colossae was a city located in the Roman province of Phrygia, an area of land that is now southwestern Turkey. The Colossians were the people who lived in Colossae.

• Located about 100 miles inland from the Mediterranean Sea, Colossae was on an important trade route between the city of Ephesus and the Euphrates River.
• While in prison in Rome, Paul wrote a letter to the “Colossians” to correct false teachings among the believers at Colossae.
• When he wrote this letter, Paul had not visited the church at Colossae, but had heard about the believers there from his coworker, Epaphras.
• Epaphras was probably the Christian worker who started the church at Colossae.
• The book of Philemon was a letter by Paul addressed to a slave owner in Colossae.

(Translation suggestions: How to Translate Names)

(See also: Ephesus, Paul)

Bible References

• Colossians 1:3

Word Data

• Strong’s: G28570