Map and timeline

Where the story moves, and where it sits in Israel’s history.

The story's places

Coordinates and outlines: OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding Data, CC BY 4.0; Jordan River © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0.

Stops

Stop 1 · Colossians 1:2; 4:9

A small, once prosperous town in the Lycus Valley where Epaphras started the church. Philemon, Onesimus, and Archippus were probably from here.

How sure scholars are of each location

ColossaeHigh confidence
Named in 1 verse: Colossians 1:2
37.787° N, 29.260° E
LaodiceaHigh confidence
Today: Laodicea on the Lycus. Named in 4 verses: Colossians 2:1, Colossians 4:13, Colossians 4:15, Colossians 4:16
37.836° N, 29.108° E
HierapolisHigh confidence
Named in 1 verse: Colossians 4:13
37.927° N, 29.127° E
Mediterranean SeaHigh confidence
Shown for orientation; not named in Colossians.
31.805° N, 34.170° E

Some outlines © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0.

Shown in order, not to scale. Dates are debated.

Rome and Herod

Jesus' ministry

The early church

The Jewish war and after

Judea and Galilee

Herod the Great rules for Rome and rebuilds the temple.

Jesus is crucified and rises (about AD 30).

The church spreads from Jerusalem across the empire; Paul is arrested in Jerusalem (about AD 57).

Revolt against Rome from AD 66; the temple destroyed in AD 70.

The empire

Augustus becomes emperor.

Tiberius is emperor.

An earthquake strikes the Lycus Valley (about AD 60 to 61); Nero is emperor.

A year of civil war, then Vespasian.

This book

Written from prison, about AD 60 to 62 (debated)