"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."- St. Peter. "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." - Jesus.

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Luke warm water

Two hundred kilometres east of Ephesus were three New Testament cities: Colosse, Laodicea and Hierapolis. Colosse has very little to see, and we ran out of time to get there. But we did get to Hierapolis and Laodicea. The church in Colosse was planted by Epaphras. He also planted the churches in Hierapolis and Laodicea. The letter to the Colossians from Paul was carried by Titychus from Rome in AD 60. Titychus also carried with him the letter to the Ephesians and to Philemon. The letter to the Colossians was intended to be read by the Laodiceans and Hierapolians aswell.
The city of Hierapolis is fascinating in that it was built right next to some massive lime stone formations. The lime stone depositis at Hierapolis were one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The city itself was actually built from the limestone. It would have been a tourist destination itself in the ancient world as people came to the spas there. Today you can still go swimming in little pools if you want.
It sheds new light on the text regarding "luke warm water" referred to in Revelation when the Laodiceans were addressed. Laodicea is just on the other side of the valley from Hierapolis.


Gates to Hierapolis.



Main street of Hierapolis.



Theatre at Hierapolis.



Lime stone formations.



Ruins at Laodicea.
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