The Church in Laodicea

The Church in Laodicea

The Laodicean church was most likely founded during Paul’s ministry at Ephesus (Acts 19:10).

It was not founded by Paul, because when he wrote Colossians some years later he still had not visited Laodicea.

Since Paul’s coworker Epaphras founded the church in nearby Colossae (Colossians 1:6-7) he may have founded the Laodicean church as well.

Some have suggested that Archippus, Philemon’s son (Philemon 2) was its pastor (Colossians 4:17). The fourth century Apostolic Constitutions names Archippus as the bishop of Laodicea (vii, 46).

Acts 19:10 -   And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

Colossians 1:6-7 - which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit (NU-Text and M-Text add and growing )as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf.

Colossians 4:17 - And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”

©2012 Kenute P. Curry. All rights reserved.