Article URL: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/revelation/seven-churches-of-revelation/laodicea/, Although there was much gold in the city, the riches that really matter are spiritual in natureknowing and practicing Gods truth (, Although Laodicea had a reputation for producing excellent-quality garments from the wool produced in the area, the Bride of Christ will be dressed in fine linen, clean and bright representing the righteous acts of the saints (, Although Laodicea produced medicine for healing various eye ailments, the most important things we need to see are spiritual. He would vomit them out of His mouth because their works were so distasteful to Him. Youre going to have to give him your time. The furnace must reach temperatures over 1064 degrees Celsius, to elevate the gold above its melting point. The focus of justification is the removal of the guilt of sin. The city was at the crossroads of north-south traffic between Sardis and Perga and east-west from the Euphrates to Ephesus. If you are living a self-reliant, self-sufficient life; relying on your strength rather than Christs, then you are lukewarm. To answer these questions, we need to look at Laodicea from the eyes of the Laodiceans. They may have been well off economically, but they were poor in their relationship with God. They were a prominent banking center for the entire region. Please understand that Christ is not referring to saving faith in this passage. In the medical works of the 2 nd century AD physician Galen of Pergamon, he described an eye medicine made from a Phrygian stone, probably broken down into a powder or made into a clay, and the eye "salve" John mentions in connection with Laodicea is the same word used by Galen and other medical texts of antiquity (Revelation 3:18; Liddell . His obedience was because, as a man, He had self-will that was in agreement with the Father's. In ancient Greek culture, the evening meal was a social event. John is only the recorder of the words, faithfully writing down what Jesus is saying. Hot water is only effective while it is hot. Instead, this namethe Beginning of the creation of Godmeans that Jesus was the Creator of the universe. Fortunately for us, Jesus is that friend. The culture of the city had infiltrated the church, and the members didnt know how spiritually wretched and weak they were. Among them nothing from before the Roman period has appeared. Laodicea boasted of one of the most renowned medical schools in the world, and with it came all of its associated industries like pharmaceuticals. It is a process where God makes us holy. If it were a common practice to refer to the chief person in the church as a messenger, this would be evident in the other letters contained in the New Testament, especially in Paul's. After identifying Himself, Jesus immediately tells the church at Laodicea that He knows their worksthat they are neither cold nor hotand because they are lukewarm, He will vomit them out of His mouth (Revelation 3:15-16). The church at Laodicea was not victorious, but Christ had not yet given up on them. That would not be logical since the church at Laodicea has already accepted Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. What did they think it meant to be hot? (14) To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: 3. It was uncontaminated water straight from the mountains. Jesus is reminding us that he is God, and as such, cannot lie. Similar to how some people likely spewed the citys unpleasant drinking water out of their mouths, Jesus said He would do the same, yet more violently. White clothes. It is my opinion, therefore, that the angel is a symbol, or personification, of the church, rather than one of the heavenly angelic hosts. Repentance comes from the heart and involves confessing from the heart. God advises them to obtain spiritual riches produced through trials, which the self-sufficient Laodicean avoids by compromising. The discipline of Christ stated in Hebrews 12:5-11, explains that God's discipline proceeds from his love and seeks to develop righteousness in his people. Trusted Eye Doctor in Baldwin Park, CA. In a letter to the Colossians, Paul wrote: Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Both churches needed a severe rebuke. A 1,000-year-old Anglo-Saxon 'eye salve' made from onion, garlic, wine and part of a cow's stomach has been shown to wipe out 90 percent of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, otherwise known as MRSA. Hydrotherapy for the sick became accompanied by religious practices in the local temples. A change in behavior will follow true repentance. into Greek letters, and then into English letters. It is a message of hope and victory. The same logic applies to hot or cold. You see Laodicea was a very wealthy city. Youre going to have to spend time reading the Word, studying the Word, memorizing the Word, meditating on the Word, and obeying the Word. Natural fire burns away natural impurities. Gold ore extracted from mines in the earth contains a significant amount of impurities, including traces of other metals. Justification is God's declaration of righteousness (it is imputed). Remains of a water pipe in Laodicea (photo by David Treybig). Yet this wealth had blinded them from seeing their true spiritual condition. This act concealed the shame of his nakedness. It covers a myriad of areas, including pride, impatience, selfishness, unrighteousness, irritation, laziness, vanity, complaining, sexual impurity, unbelief, discouragement, envy, greed, ingratitude, etc. In our world filled with technology, material prosperity and modern conveniences, many mistakenly assume that they do not need God. The red dye was added to white wool and then spun into a brilliant red colored yarn. It looks like Laodicea had put their faith in the gold that perishes. hippie fest 2022 michigan; family picture poses for 5 adults; unforgettable who killed rachel; pacific northwest college of art notable alumni; adler sense of belonging family constellation; EYESALVE i'-sav (kollourion; collyrium; Revelation 3:18 ): A Phrygian powder mentioned by Galen, for which the medical school of Laodicea seems to have been famous (see Ramsay, The Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia), but the figurative reference is to the restoring of spiritual vision. The Bible exposes Satan's lies and deceit and is the tool to overcome all the sinful tendencies in our flesh. "Eyesalve to rub in your eyes" Laodicea was also famous as a healing center. It was the location of a temple dedicated to Asklepios. Gold, spiritual riches ( I Peter 1:7 ), contrasts with the word "poor," and fire symbolizes trial. 3 Ways to Avoid Becoming a Lukewarm Church. If anyone in the church hears Christ's voice and opens the door, he will come and dine with them. Have you ever been locked out of your own house? Isaiah 55:1-3 (NASB). (19) Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. 19btherefore be zealous and repent. At the foot of Mount Cadmus, it benefited from an endless supply of cold, freshwater coming down from the snow caps. While the original name of the city came from Antiochus IIs wife, the name also has an interesting meaning in Greek. Call (626) 587-0033! He and his wife, Teddi, have two grown children and seven grandchildren. For the Laodiceans, this meant forsaking whatever might perpetuate the lack of spirituality and unwarranted self-sufficiency in which they languished. The focus of sanctification is the healing of the dysfunctionality of sin (it is imparted). But we have to invite Him inside. Your time in the Word should be, at a minimum, four times a week.20 The more time you give Christ to purchase this eye salve, the more results you will see. How is your hearing? His names include: the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness and the Beginning of the creation of God (verse 14). Never miss a post! It was about 100 miles east of the port city of Ephesus. Hierapolis had a hot spring that was considered to be medicinal. As we will see, this was clearly a characteristic of the self-reliant people of this city. You dont expect (or want) to have lukewarm coffee served to you. 15a I know your deeds. 14bthe faithful and true Witness. The word for dine is the Greek word (deipns), which means to eat at a banquet.24 This word for dine is very similar to the Greek word for dinner deipnon, the evening meal. "Laodicea had a famous school of medicine; and a special ointment known as "Phrygian powder," famous for its cure of eye defects, was either manufactured or distributed there, as were ear ointments also. When we see mega churches today respond to criticisms they . What does it mean to be hot? They produced a world-famous salve, reputed to cure certain kinds of eye diseases. The lack of white clothing does not mean they removed their salvation; it simply means the clothing that symbolized their purity and righteousness was gone. You, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 19a Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline. The third theory (I tend to side with this one) is that the angel is simply a personification of the church itself.6 A personification is an imaginary person or creature conceived to represent something. The hot/cold issue begs the question: What exactly is God talking about? Are so busy doing "things" for Christ that they're too busy to open the door? The Laodicean church is not cold. People came from all over the empire to purchase this medicine. It was a banking center. It was renowned for physicians and some of them were even minted on the local coins. People traveled from around the world to obtain these supposed healing elixirs. Rather this is the Creator of the Universe, adjuring those He loves to recognize and admit their spiritual emptiness and turn to Him for complete healing and righteousness. Gold mined from rock always has impurities. What exactly is forgiveness? The black wool of Laodicea produced some stunning dark-colored garments. What does it mean to purchase something? In the situations of daily life, when tempted by impatience, irritation, envy, discouragement, etc. The first thing we need to look at is what it means to be cold. What will happen to me? Contrition, on the other hand, is regret for the sin committed against Gods love and regret for having grieved the Holy Spirit. The positive aspect is that if someone does hear his voice, and does open the door, Jesus will come in. I got caught. The word rebuke is the Greek word (elegch) and means to convict, to prove one in the wrong.21 Jesus is doing more than just telling the Laodiceans their faults; he is convicting them of their sin. They are not taking care of needs, providing moral support, or genuinely caring about people. The eye salve must be purchased, and it is expensive. Serving wine lukewarm would be considered an insult. Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance. They were doing a lot of things (works and deeds). The Bible speaks of eye-salve. Gods problem with this church was not that it was an inactive body of believers. Those terms are imputed righteousness and imparted righteousness. Both churches were in a downward spiral of carnality. Throughout the ages Satan has blinded the minds of most people (. Ho! You must know the truth so well that, when the lies of the enemy appear, you can recognize it. I dont think so. It is the foundation of wisdom. All rights reserved. As the water cooled down, it lost its effectiveness. The city of Laodicea was located between the cities of Hierapolis and Colossae. It was important for ancient Greeks to eat with company. The word for overcomes is the Greek word (nika), which means to be victorious.25 What does it mean to overcome, to to be victorious? laodicea means human rightsNitro Acoustic. Laodicea quickly became a rich city, rich enough to be able to rebuild itself without outside help after the destructive earthquake of 60 A.D. All things are through Him, and we exist through Him. Colossians 1:16 (HSCB) says, For everything was created by Him, in heaven, and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things have been created through Him and for Him. Hebrews 1:2 (HSCB) says, In these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son. Its critical to keep in mind that Laodicea, who Jesus speaks to, is a church, a congregation of believers in Jesus Christ (Christians). Another lesson from the message to Laodicea is that we must be doers of Gods Word. Their money has become their idol, and they worship it rather than worshiping God. A cold Christian visits the shut-ins, the hospitalized, and in prison. Its another way of saying, Listen up! Along with Colosse and Hierapolis, it was one of the cities in the fertile Lyous [sic.] 21bI will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. In the New Testament, eyes tend to represent spiritual discernment (Matthew 13:10-17, 1 John 2:11). The Greek word amen () was transliterated from the Hebrew word for amen (). Laodicea was a city that was so rich; it minted coins that bore the images of Apollo, Asclepius, and Zeus.16 The reproach in verse 17 assumes that the Christians in Laodicea were also rich, as the passage would have no meaning to poor people. The term lukewarm is a key word used to describe Laodicea. Wrapping up His message, Jesus then explains that He is standing at the door and knocking, meaning that He wants to come in and dine with them (Revelation 3:20). Although the Bible does not reveal how the Church of God began in Laodicea, a faithful minister named Epaphras served this congregation as well as members in Colosse and Hierapolis sometime during the first few decades after Christs death. Removing those impurities, such as trace metals and ores, requires the gold to go through a process called smelting. Associated with the temple was a medical school. The Bible is the weapon God has given us; words to use against Satan's deceit like Jesus did, words that show us what to do, words of comfort. For us to purchase something from Christ, something is required. The residents would go there daily to fill their jars with the cold refreshing water from Colossae. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15 NASB. ointment made from spice nard and an eye salve made from Phrygian stones. The letter starts as if being written to an angel, but there is no doubt that it is the congregation itself who is the focus of the letter. He was very careful about whom he called friend. Jesus never referred to anyone who was not his disciple as a friend. Be referring to himself as the beginning of the creation of God; he once again ascertains his deity. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be . Does it matter which side of the room you sit in? The fertile fields below the city were excellent for growing crops, and the foothills had good pastureland. In addition, its wealth came from the production of a fine quality of famous glossy black woolwhether dyed or natural in color is not known. The hot mineral water was brought down from Hierapolis and used by the textile industry. Laodicea on the Lycus, located at the crossroads of important trade routes, was once a prosperous city, famous for its black wool, banking services, and medical achievements. Transliteration changes the Hebrew letters (Hebrew is read from right to left but my chart below has it from left to right to make it easy to understand.) St. John mentioned Laodicea as one of the Seven Churches of Asia in the Book of Revelation Their wealth has become their savior who supplies their every need. As for rebuilding the city after an earthquake, history records that the Laodiceans did this again a few decades later. Instead of looking to God to supply their every need, they look to their wealth instead. The major idea behind this word is constancy and reliability.8 Isaiah referred to God as the God of amen, due to his truthfulness and trustworthiness (Isaiah 65:16). We know from this introduction that what follows is being said by Jesus. Chemicals such as cyanide solution or mercury are introduced to the gold to separate the gold from other metals. If there had been a corresponding word in the Greek language, then amen could have been translated. . They are not getting people saved or healing the sick, or leading lives that are a pleasant taste and aroma to Christ. He often started a statement with Amen, amen, I say to you. (Many verses in the Gospels such as John 5:24 translate amen as truly, or verily.) As a man, Jesus also had this self-will and was tempted, but His firm resolve from the very start was, Not My will, but Yours! For us to overcome as He overcame, we need to make that same decision and faithfully stick to it, no matter what happens or how we feel. To be a cold Christian is to take care of needs, provide moral support, and genuinely care about people. If this is what Christ had in mind, then being a cold Christian would be like giving someone a cool refreshing drink on a hot summer day. The only way to be in a right relationship with God is through forgiveness. There is a major problem associated with being an angelic angel. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Revelation 3:14-22 Print subscriptions available in U.S., Canada and Europe. Before He left the earth, Jesus promised His disciples that He would send them the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, who would guide them to the truth (John 14:16-17, 26; John 15:26). Jesus loves this church, or he would not have rebuked them. So wealthy was Laodicea that after the great earthquake of A.D. 17, which destroyed it, the people refused imperial help in rebuilding the city, choosing rather to do it entirely by themselves. Jesus wants you to be hot. What happens if the church does not hear his voice and does not open the door? He took the skins of the sacrifices and clothed him. Eye salve in Laodicea The city of Laodicea was known for its extraordinary eye salve, as well as a medical school. That, I believe, is the point. Laodicea was known for it's black wool. I could wish you were cold or hot. What did Christ mean? Giving time to Christ is what Christians must do to develop spiritual discernment. They werent serving God the way he wanted them to be serving. Other sources suggest that the water came from a hot spring with mineralized water containing sulfur, giving it an unpleasant taste and smell. Incline your ear to his voice. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door. 18cand eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. -- Revelation 3: 14 (ESV) . Its like lukewarm coffee. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The therapeutic virtues of the waters became the calling card of the town. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. For all its wealth, the city had poor water (comments on Revelation 3:14-22). Concluding with encouragement, Jesus reminds them that if they overcome, they will rule with Him (verse 21). While many impurities are burned off in the furnace, other metals remain. The water came either from hot springs and was cooled to lukewarm or came from a cooler source and warmed up in the aqueduct on the way. The word for love used in this verse is not agape but phileo. The problem seems to be in their motives. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Revelation 3:14-22). Therefore, the Lord Jesus tells them to buy eye salve from Him to see their spiritual state. The Greek word arche, which is translated Beginning, has a range of meanings from beginning, origin to the person or thing that commences to that by which anything begins to be to the first place, principality, rule, magistracy (Thayers Greek Lexicon). The first question well delve into is why they needed to purchase white garments. David Treybig is a husband, father and grandfather. Mrs Salve Aldea Pineda, RPH is a Pharmacist based in Baldwin Park, California. Laodicea was a town in the Lycus River valley in present-day Turkey. In the context of Revelation 3, then, Christ was standing at the door of the Laodicean church, eager to re-enter the congregation through the genuine repentance of its members. (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12) It is the absolute truth and a powerful weapon against temptation and sin. You must know the truth so well that, when the lies of the enemy appear, you can recognize them. Works, or deeds, are more than simply what we do; they are how we live. 3. Spiritual discernment is the ability to tell the difference between truth and error. Uniquely situated on a large flat-topped hill, the town was protected from the flooding in the spring when the snow melted off the nearby mountains. Please understand that this verse does NOT say that hot is good and cold is bad; they are both good. They think they have need of nothing because they are saved and on their way to heaven. The city was also known as a health resort, one of the best in the Graeco-Roman world owing mostly to its lukewarm . The word hot is the Greek word (zestos) and means hot or boil.15 Quite possibly, the Laodiceans may have associated the word hot with the hot waters of Hierapolis. Jesus was in heaven with God, but voluntarily became a man for our sakes. The fact that he does call them friends shows that he expects them to get the spiritual priorities straightened out, and back on the right path. If I go to the store to purchase something, I exchange my money for the goods I wish to purchase. Laodicea built an aqueduct that ran from the mountains above Colossae to the city center. The Greek word for faithful, ( - pistos) means true, sure, trustworthy, believable, worthy of credit.9 The Greek for true, ( - alethinos) means loving truth, veracious and hence worthy of credit.10 (According to dictionary.com, the word "veracious" means habitually speaking the truth; truthful; honest.) To be a hot Christian could have several different meanings (or a combination of them) to the Laodiceans. This suffering was not the physical suffering on the cross of Calvary. Behold I stand at the door and knock: if any man here my voice, and open the . It is to have a sense of what is right and what is wrong. If we pray for help as Jesus did, with humility and desperation to gain victory, then we will get help. We cant relax and mistakenly assume we have it made. The ruins, now called Eski Hissar, or old castle, lie near the modern Gonjelli on the railroad, and they have long served as a quarry to the builders of the neighboring town of Denizli. In this situation, you are not standing for Christ; you are standing for yourself. It is an often-used phrase that Jesus utilized when speaking in parables. The keys, according to this passage, are becoming skilled in the Word of God (by which we define righteousness) and practice (through which we gain experience). Thank you! Actions, behaviors, motives, and the heart are all intertwined; they cannot be separated. The possibility exists that no one will hear his voice, and no one will open the door. Just in case you're beginning to get the point that the person referred to here is truthful, honest, believable, and worthy of credit (trustworthy); that is exactly the idea that John is pointing out. It was about 100 miles east of the port city of Ephesus. The residents of Laodicea would have also traveled up to Hierapolis to sit in the hot mineral baths. The church at Laodicea stands accused of being shamefully naked. John did not use the appropriate word if he was addressing an elder, deacon, or pastor. Confession is the mind moving the lips; repentance moves the heart. Hear God. We can get so busy doing things for God that at some point, we stop doing them Him and begin doing them for ourselves. The Roman historian Tacitus wrote that the Laodiceans had again refused aid from Rome following an earthquake that badly damaged the city in A.D. 60 (Annals, 14:27). Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? We are to present ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). Jesus leaves no doubt that what is about to follow is true and should be taken very seriously because they are his words. Spiritual fire burns away spiritual impurities. Remains of a water pipe in Laodicea (photo by David Treybig). Whatever were doing, or however were serving, we need to examine our hearts and our motives and see if were doing it for the right reason. What images came into their minds? What are we supposed to overcome? In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:5-9 NASB). Christ told the church (in verse 17) that they were blind, and in verse 18, they are instructed to purchase eye salve. Local resources of zinc and alum became the basis for the production of eye ointments, known as kollyria, also sold by merchants from Laodicea.3 The powder would be mixed with water to give it a paste-like consistency and then applied to the eyes. Jesus used scripture as a weapon. Why does the church not hear his knock? 14bthe Amen. Consider the following: Jesus then tells the Laodiceans that He has given them this strong correction because He loves them and wants them to be zealous and repent (Revelation 3:19). Imparted righteousness is the righteousness of sanctification, wherein God causes the Christian to become more and more Christlike. Jesus was obedient and faithful, even to the point of death (John 12:27,28). Laodicea was a city full of merchants. Water is an important necessity for any metropolis, and the ancient city of Laodicea accommodated this need. After he sinned, he felt his nakedness and shame. All of their success and self-righteousness was nakedness in Gods sight. Since Christ is referring to spitting something out of his mouth, the image of lukewarm wine comes to mind. After such strong correction, it is especially poignant to note that God wants sinners to repent and will quickly forgive their sins if they do. How do you buy gold when youre poor? He's locked out of his own house. Zeus, the supreme god, was also worshiped in the city (Expositors). It can only come by the revelation of Jesus Christ to the believer, and then must be developed by way of training in righteousness (Hebrews 5:14) and prayer (Ephesians 6:18). The city was also famous for its red dye, made from the juice of the madder root, and the leaves for medicinal purposes.