Today we begin our study of the final church in Jesus’ letters found in Revelation 2 and 3. The church at Laodicea has always presented such a quandary for me, personally. When Jesus told this church that they were lukewarm, He also said that He would rather they be HOT or COLD. Cold, really? It was not until I studied this church and the words of Christ to it, that I understood what He meant. Are you ready to visit the church at Laodicea?
Revelation 3: 14-22 (NIV)
14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.
15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!
16 So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.
19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.
20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come inand eat with him, and he with me.
21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
The Church
- This church was probably established under Paul’s ministry, but there is no evidence Paul ever visited this church.
- Nothing is found in the New Testament detailing the founding of the church
The City of Laodicea
- Laodicea was known for its great wealth, the manufacturing of a glossy, black wool, a medical school, and the manufacture of a special eye salve. – It was a first century Wells Fargo, Macy’s, and Mayo Clinic all in one.
- The city served as a banking center, and was located at the crossroads of the east/west and north/south line.
- It was considered the greatest city in the valley, and was named after the wife of Antiochus II, Laodice. It had previously been known as Diospolis and Rhodes.
- Possibly as many as 7500 Jewish men lived there, plus women and children
- Five miles to the northwest was Hieropolis, where there was a famous spa known for its hot mineral baths and medical remedies. Hieropolis was also known for the white formations of mineral deposits on the cliffs near the sea. The Bishop of the church in Hieropolis was Pappias (c . 60-130), described by Irenaeus as a disciple of John and a companion of Polycarp.
- Ten miles to the south was Colossae, known for its pure, cold water. Visitors still drink from the springs today.
- Laodicea was destroyed in AD 60-61 by an earthquake, but was so wealthy that it refused the emperor’s offer of help to rebuild.
- Aquaducts, a theatre with an arena about 900 feet long, and a large gymnasium have been excavated.
Jesus’ Greeting to the Church – These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God
- Amen was an OT title for God Christ seemed to be saying that He was the affirmation from God. 2 Corinthians 1:20 tells us that Jesus is the AMEN of God. He confirms every promise made by God.
- Faithful and True Witness – The Lord was getting ready to reveal the true spiritual condition of the church at Laodicea
- The beginning of the creation of God – The word for beginning means source, origin (John 1:3; Col 1: 15 – 18). Jesus was God’s agent in creation. False teachers have used this portion of the description to try and prove that Jesus is/was a created being.
- False teaching about Christ may have been the reason the church had died.
Next week we will complete our visit with the seven churches by examining the commendations, rebukes and promises of Christ to the church at Laodicea. I think you will be as thrilled as I was with what you learn about the church at Laodicea. I’ll see you back here next Monday.
