After nearly four decades of research and patient anticipation, biblical scholar Dr. Clint Arnold joins the Ephesiology Podcast to reflect on his life’s work in the ancient city of Colossae—a city long buried but rich in theological relevance. In this fascinating episode, Dr. Arnold shares the backstory behind his groundbreaking scholarship on Colossians and Ephesians, the animistic and syncretistic backdrop of the early church, and the long-awaited archaeological excavation that’s finally beginning. From cotton fields in California to the foothills of the Lycus Valley, this is the story of a scholar whose passion for contextual theology is about to get literal ground support.
Show Notes
- Introduction to Dr. Clint Arnold and his background in agriculture and theology
- How growing up on a farm led to a love for planting truth in biblical studies
- Why Colossians? A lifelong scholarly pursuit rooted in understanding spiritual power
- Syncretism in Colossae: Angels, amulets, and early Christian Shamanism
- What coins, inscriptions, and tombs tell us about first-century life
- The long wait for an excavation at Colossae—and the approval that finally came
- How modern animism and ancient Colossian practices overlap
- Missiological applications of Colossians today: What missionaries must understand about syncretism
Quotes from the Episode
- “I wanted to understand how God’s power is experienced for transformation and growth. That led me to Colossians—and I never left.” – Dr. Clint Arnold
- “Colossae may finally speak after 2,000 years. And I’m just grateful I get to be alive to hear it.” – Dr. Clint Arnold
- “Paul was writing to real people, living real lives, in real fear of spiritual forces. Understanding their world reshapes how we read his letters.” – Dr. Michael T. Cooper
- “We call it ancient, but it’s not unfamiliar—people today still carry charms, pray to angels, or saints, hoping for safe travel or healing.” – Andrew Johnson
- “What we call the Colossian heresy was likely a grassroots form of Christian shamanism. One man’s spirituality became everyone’s syncretism.” – Dr. Clint Arnold
Resources Mentioned
- Colossian Syncretism by Dr. Clinton Arnold
- Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on Colossians by Dr. Clinton Arnold
- Ephesians: Power and Magic (Cambridge) by Dr. Clinton Arnold
Archaeology and Early Christian Missiology
Unearthing the Past, Illuminating the Mission
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Michael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.
Andrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he’s ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he’s an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers.
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