I Timothy 6:21

The notation at the end of I Timothy indicating that Paul wrote this epistle from Laodicea conflicts with the internal evidence. Paul never traveled to Laodicea to preach the gospel. As in the case of the Colossians, Paul had learned of the Laodiceans’ faith from Epaphras, who had preached the gospel in Colosse, Laodicea and Hierapolis (Col. 1:4-8; 4:13, 16). Paul’s words to the Colossians clearly show that he had not visited Colosse or Laodicea at any time: “Now I want you to understand what great concern I have for you, and for those in Laodicea, and as many as have not seen my face in the flesh” (Col. 2:1). Rather than writing from Laodicea, it is probable that Paul wrote his first epistle to Timothy after being released from his first imprisonment in Rome in 63 A.D.