Hierapolis
LocationsGeographical Setting
Hierapolis was an ancient Greco-Roman city located in the Lycus Valley of Phrygia, renowned for its thermal springs and extensive necropolis.
What is the meaning of Hierapolis in the Bible?
Hierapolis was an ancient city in Phrygia, situated near Laodicea and Colossae, with origins dating to the Hellenistic period under the Seleucid Empire. It was known for its healing springs and pagan cults, particularly those dedicated to Apollo and Cybele. The city became an early center of Christianity, with traditions attributing the founding of its church to the Apostle Philip, one of the seventy disciples, rather than Paul himself.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Hierapolis provides context for the New Testament epistle to the Colossians, which addresses the church in the nearby city of Colossae, and offers insight into the early spread of Christianity in the Lycus Valley region against a backdrop of prominent pagan worship and natural phenomena.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.