Gabriel & Lorraine

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Colossae, Turkey | Hidden Treasures Waiting to be Found

Lorraine Marie Varela

Are you inspired to visit the biblical sites and historic cities in Turkey? Come with us on a life-changing adventure!

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Most of us who are familiar with Paul's letter to the Colossians might be surprised to learn there is very little of this ancient biblical site that has been uncovered. Turkey contains so much wealth in biblical and historical sites that the resources necessary to excavate these strategic locations often come from other sources. Thankfully, Colossae is one region where plans to excavate are underway!

The Biblical Significance of Colossae

entrance-to-ancient-city-colossae-turkey

The Biblical Significance of Colossae

entrance-to-ancient-city-of-colossae
 
The ancient city of Colossae was a thriving commercial center, built on a major trade route in the Roman Province of Asia Minor. In the 5th century BC, it was a populous city famous for its purple-dyed wool called colossinus. A stream of cool refreshing water flowed from the Lycus River, fed by melting snow and rain from the nearby peak of Mount Cadmus. When Laodicea was established as an economic competitor in the 1st century BC, Colossae lost its importance.
 
The Colossian community was well known to the church of Laodicea, which is mentioned by John in the book of Revelation. Just 12 miles away, Paul addressed both of the communities in his letter to the Colossians. A third community of Hierapolis (Roman for “Holy City”, mentioned in Colossians 4:13) was five miles up the mountain, and rounded out the triad of cities for trade, commerce, and the growing communities of faith.

From Paul's letters, we learn of at least two Colossian citizens who held influence in the community. Philemon (whose name means “loving”) was a follower of Yeshua and a leader who hosted meetings in his home for believers. Epaphrus (whose name means “lovely”) was a spiritual leader devoted to prayer, and is often given credit as the one who founded the church in Colossae, primarily comprised of Gentile believers (see Colossians 1:21).

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Ancient Colossae was rediscovered in 1836, but remains unexcavated. To date, surveys and random discoveries have uncovered 30 inscriptions, over 150 coins, and the identification of a few structures.

Key Verse


We keep asking God that you might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.
Colossians 1:9


Spiritual Inheritance

Knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual understanding

Points of Interest

  • Unexcavated Tell
  • Wealth of Spiritual Inheritance
  • Nearby Laodicea (12 mile drive)

Points of Interest

  • Unexcavated Tell
  • Wealth of Spiritual Inheritance
  • Nearby Laodicea (12 mile drive)

What to Expect in Colossae Today

unexcavated-tell-of-biblical-colossae-turkey

It seemed incomprehensible to us that a community so loved by Christians throughout the centuries, made known through Paul's letter to the Colossians, could be a place hiding under the depths of the earth. Because of this, most people don't bother to visit this site. Why would they? Dirt, dust, rocks, and a few ancient fragments scattered around sums up most of what you can see. 

open-air-bazaar-konya-turkey

Finding the entrance to Colossae is easy (located here). A sign and a deserted building let you know you're in the right spot. A well-worn trail weaves up the tell, guiding your steps as you walk on top of a city that once was a place of industry and importance. Without any obvious landmarks in sight, we took in what our eyes could observe—beautiful mountains, lush greenery, and fertile farm land all contributed to a peaceful, scenic setting.

reading-colossians-in-biblical-colossae-turkey

Many come to Colossae as it exists today because of the biblical significance it holds, unaware of an even greater purpose to be found. Back in the book of Genesis, we read the story of Cain's jealousy of his brother Abel that led him to commit the first murder of mankind. God responded by telling Cain, “What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying out to Me from the ground” (Genesis 4:10). The land holds memory. This is an incredible spiritual principle! Questions about the history of the land now come into focus as we travel to the places God calls us to go. What happened here? What were the acts of injustice that still cry out to God from this place? What spiritual blessings were deposited here? What is God's heart today over the people and the land? How can we connect our hearts with His to pray the prayers He wants to receive? 

walking-on-top-of-colossae-tell-turkey

With this in mind, we can walk this land with an entirely different mindset. We now have a functional purpose for stepping on the land with a spiritual focus in mind. We can read from Colossians understanding its past, and receive wisdom and revelation from God's heart today. It's such an exciting way to travel!

unexcavated-land-of-colossae-turkey
It seemed incomprehensible to us that a community so loved by Christians throughout the centuries, made known through Paul's letter to the Colossians, could be a place hiding under the depths of the earth. Because of this, most people don't bother to visit this site. Why would they? Dirt, dust, rocks, and a few ancient fragments scattered around sums up most of what you can see. 

Finding the entrance to Colossae is easy (located here). A sign and a deserted building let you know you're in the right spot. A well-worn trail weaves up the tell, guiding your steps as you walk on top of a city that once was a place of industry and importance. Without any obvious landmarks in sight, we took in what our eyes could observe—beautiful mountains, lush greenery, and fertile farm land all contributed to a peaceful, scenic setting. 

Many come to Colossae as it exists today because of the biblical significance it holds, unaware of an even greater purpose to be found. Back in the book of Genesis, we read the story of Cain's jealousy of his brother Abel that led him to commit the first murder of mankind. God responded by telling Cain, “What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying out to Me from the ground” (Genesis 4:10). The land holds memory. This is an incredible spiritual principle! Questions about the history of the land now come into focus as we travel to the places God calls us to go. What happened here? What were the acts of injustice that still cry out to God from this place? What spiritual blessings were deposited here? What is God's heart today over the people and the land? How can we connect our hearts with His to pray the prayers He wants to receive? 

With this in mind, we can walk this land with an entirely different mindset. We now have a functional purpose for stepping on the land with a spiritual focus in mind. We can read from Colossians understanding its past, and receive wisdom and revelation from God's heart today. It's such an exciting way to travel!

Why Christians Should Visit


The community of Colossae held a special place of affection in the Apostle Paul's heart and in his letters to them. Powerful prayers were spoken over them in faith—prayers that resonate today, leaving a deposit of spiritual treasure to be received again as you set your feet in this place of abundance. Come and receive a new infusion of the knowledge of God's will for you in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.

About Lorraine Marie

Lorraine Marie Varela is an author, screenwriter, and professional photographer. She and her husband Gabriel are the co-founders of Inspiring Faith International, a ministry founded to draw people closer to the heart of God.

Lorraine Marie Varela is an author, screenwriter, and professional photographer. She and her husband Gabriel are the co-founders of Inspiring Faith International, a ministry designed to help people draw closer to the heart of God.

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