Laodicea

The wealthy city of Laodicea was located on the road to Colosse.  The book of Colossians was written not only to Colossians but also to the Laodiceans.   About 35 years before Paul wrote to them, much of the city was destroyed by an earthquake, but it had the wealth and ability to rebuild.

Typical Roman road with large stones, pillars and shops

 No word of commendation was given to the Laodicean church.  They were lukewarm.  But they were not aware of their spiritual poverty.

 Market place

 Temple to Apollo, Artemis, Aphrodite & Imperial cult.

 

A medical school was located at the temple which offered a special salve to heal common eye troubles.  They didn't need this kind of medicine; they needed spiritual sight.

 Theatre.

Pipe that carried water from the mountains.

House church under excavation 

 "Do not grow weary in doing good"  Galatians 6:9

 "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.  May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patiencewith joy,  giving thanks to the Father..."  Col. 1:10-12