Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith & Culture Unearthing Colossae: Excavation of Paul’s Ancient City (with Clint Arnold)
Oct 14, 2025
Dr. Clint Arnold, a renowned biblical scholar and authority on Colossians, sheds light on the groundbreaking excavation of Colossae in modern Turkey. He discusses the city's historical significance and its connection to the New Testament, revealing how artifacts might clarify the enigmatic 'Colossian heresy.' Arnold shares insights on past excavation challenges, innovative methods like ground-penetrating radar, and the implications of this research for understanding early Christianity. Excitement builds as he envisions future discoveries to uncover more about Paul's world.
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Hill, Mosaics, And The Urge To Dig
- Today Colossae appears as a large earthen mound with building materials protruding and mosaics near the surface.
- Clint recalled his wife uncovering a mosaic and his urge to grab a shovel and start digging himself.
Colossae Was A Small Regional Town
- In Paul's era Colossae was a modest town with a roughly 25-acre acropolis and surrounding territory.
- A theater outline suggests cultural life, but population estimates remain uncertain without excavation.
Complex Politics And Permissions
- Political permissions, land ownership, and university leadership delayed excavation for decades.
- Final Turkish ministry approval only arrived in January, enabling the July start.
