Epaphras Plants the Lycus Valley Churches at Colossae Laodicea and Hierapolis — Bible Events

Colossians 4:12-13 records the apostolic mission of Epaphras to the three Lycus valley cities in inland Asia Minor: "Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis." Epaphras planted the three sister churches during Paul's three-year Ephesian ministry (Acts 19:10), bringing the gospel inland from the coast. Tradition holds that the apostle Philip ended his ministry at Hierapolis.

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ColossiansFinal Instructions From a Man in Chains

Paul ends his letter not with theology but with something harder — practical wisdom on prayer, conversation, and a roll call of the imperfect people who kept the gospel moving while he sat in chains. His closing line, 'remember my chains,' lands differently when you realize there's no bitterness in it.

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Paul Epaphras

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Hierapolis Colossae Laodicea