Part 12 | The Church of Laodicea

Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.

It was six miles south of Hierapolis

B) Religion

There was a significant population of Jews

What the city was really known for was their worship of Zeus amongst other deities

C) Wealth

Laodicea stood at the junction of vital trade routes… It sat at a crossroads and profited from the steady traffic.

It was known as a wealthy banking center.

In AD 60, Laodicea was demolished—along with other cities— by a massive earthquake.

Much like FEMA, the Roman Government proposed a plan to fund the rebuilding of the city.

Laodicea refused the help.

They were quite proud of their self-sufficiency.

The town housed a state-of-the art medical school, that was known particularly for advances in ophthalmology.

The city was also known for a particular breed of black sheep whose wool was highly sought for the production of high-end clothing.

Because of the wealth and success of the city, the church in Laodicea—like the city itself— thought of themselves as being self sufficient. Consequently, they were blinded by their wealth, thinking more highly of themselves than they should have.

2) Depiction of Jesus

Revelation 3:14 (ESV)

“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.

The depiction of Jesus does not—like the other letters—come from the end of chapter 1. Instead, it is drawn from 1:5:

Revelation 1:5 (ESV)

and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood

A) The Amen

Amen is a Hebrew term of confirmation (So be it).

Jeremiah 28:6 (ESV)

and the prophet Jeremiah said, “Amen! May the Lord do so; may the Lord make the words that you have prophesied come true, and bring back to this place from Babylon the vessels of the house of the Lord, and all the exiles.

According to Keener, this is an assurance of all His promises. What He declares, will come to pass.

B) The faithful and true witness

Again, this emphasizes that what He says, again, shall come to pass

Jesus has been, and always will be, a faithful and true witness.

Even in his death, Jesus remained faithful to the purposes of the Father

Jesus—as the faithful and true witness—stays true to His promises.

C) The Beginning of God’s Creation

This verse does not suggest that Jesus is a created being!

The verse echos Colossians 1:15-20* (READ)

#1: Jesus was the agent of God’s Creation

#2: Jesus is the one, through whom, God is bringing about New Creation. Jesus resurrection was the launch of that New Creation.

#3: The word “beginning,” elsewhere in Revelation is linked to “first”

Revelation 21:6 (ESV)

And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.

The reference to Jesus being the Beginning of God’s authority, ultimately points to His authority and Kingship.

Summary: Jesus is the truthful witness who reigns as the King of God’s Kingdom.

3) Commendation

Last week, we looked at the church of Philadelphia, which received no rebuke from Jesus.

Laodicea receives no praise from Jesus, but receives plenty of rebuke.

4) Correction (Rebuke)

A) Lukewarm

Revelation 3:15–16 (ESV)

“ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.

This does not have to do with our passion or zeal for God.

There was one resource that Laodicea lacked: Good Water

The Lycus river, at the point of Laodicea was not strong and sometimes completely dried up.

There were, however to sources of water… one to the north and one to the southeast.

NORTH: The City of Hieropolis

Known for its bubbling Hot Springs

The water was good for bathing

Was also used for medicinal purposes

In the 1st Century, they built aqueducts to bring the water about four or five miles away to Laodicea.

By the time it arrived, it was no longer hot… and it was essentially useless. It was full of concentrated chemicals that made it unsuitable to drink.

SOUTHEAST: Colosse was located to the Southeast and a steady stream of cold, refreshing water that would flow from the snow-capped Mount Cadmus.

This water, too, was brought into Laodicea, this time traveling about 11 miles. By the time it reached the city, the water was no longer refreshing. It was Lukewarm.

Though it was more drinkable than the water from the north, ancient sources tell us that the water was full of sediment.

What from the North, cooled to a lukewarm temperature, making it useless.

The water from the southeast heated up to a lukewarm temp, making it useless.

The point: Jesus is comparing the church in Laodicea to the water that they are notorious for complaining about. If you were to drink the water from the aqueducts, you would likely spew it out.

This is how Jesus feels about the church.

They look good on the outside, but they are useless:

Jesus, essessentially says, “You make me want to puke!”

B) Wretched, Pitiable

Revelation 3:17 (ESV)

For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.

The believers think they are prosperous

They Think they are self sufficient (I need nothing)

But Jesus says, you are deceived! You are pitiful and in dire need!

D) Poor

Matthew 19:24 (ESV)

Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”

They became complacent because of their riches.

E) Blind

The city is known for their advances in medicine… especially in ophthalmology

Yet, they themselves are spiritually blind

F) Naked

They are known for their expensive clothing made from the wool of the black sheep.

Yet, they are spiritually naked (they walk in shame)

Instruction:

Revelation 3:18–19 (ESV)

I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.

Concern yourselves with eternal riches… spiritual riches… not earthly riches.

Concern yourselves with clothes of purity and righteousness… not trendy clothing

Concern yourselves with spiritual site

REPENT!!! Turn away from your sin and turn towards God!

Notice: Jesus words of rebuke are not out of wrath… but out of love!

* Jesus does NOT love everyone the same (those whom I love)

I think he offers the same love to everyone… but that love is appropriated to us when we come to Christ.

Promise

A) Fellowship

Revelation 3:20 (ESV)

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

This is not a verse for unbelievers

In our sin, our fellowship with the Lord is broken (He wishes to puke us out)

When we repent (open the door), that fellowship is restored.

This also points forward to the great messianic banquet—the marriage supper of the lamb. The Lord shall return and those who are in Christ, will be united with their bridgegroom… it shall be a great time of celebration!

B) Restored Purpose

Revelation 3:21 (ESV)

The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.

For those who endure til’ the end—we will rule the new earth—under the authority of God Himself (like Adam and Eve were called to do)

Application

Don’t be deceived by our wealth

Don’t confuse earthly riches with spiritual success

Retribution principle

Love is Tough

It is not always tender and affirming

True love often involves rebuke and exhortation

Related Media

Related Sermons