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. After letting him ineffectively try to cover himself, God provided clothing for him. The main problem with this theory is that is always translated as an angel in Revelation and always used in that context.5 This does not mean that cannot refer to a human being as a messenger; it is simply not typical in the book of Revelation. Pay close attention! We must be determined to pursue purity and to do what pleases God (1 Thessalonians 1:9). The ancient Greeks liked their wine hot or cold. Jesus loves this church, or he would not have rebuked them. Does it matter which side of the room you sit in? How is your hearing? What does it mean to purchase something? Both of these cities were known for the pure waters that flowed through them. To purchase something requires an exchange. Jesus just informed the wealthy Laodiceans that they were quite poor, and now hes telling them to purchase gold from him. No, it does not; just dont sit in the center. If there had been a corresponding word in the Greek language, then amen could have been translated. You would have thought that this was the ultimate act of humility. Production of the famous "Phrygian powder" was also performed in Laodicea. Verse three follows with, Incline your ear and come unto Me. Jesus is reminding us that he is God, and as such, cannot lie. John 1:3 (HSCB) says, All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. John 1:10 (HSCB) says, He was in the world, and the world was created through Him, yet the world did not recognize Him. 1 Corinthians 8:6 (HSCB) says, yet for us, there is one God, the Father. He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). People who are going to be faithful to God must not allow material things to lull them into a false sense of spiritual security. So what does it cost to purchase eye salve from Christ? Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16. Those who do not have "ears to hear" are spiritually dead and cannot obey God until they respond to His work in their hearts (John 6:65; Romans 11:8). If were doing something for recognition, then were not doing it for God. A change of heart will follow honest confession. Verse 14 leaves no doubt the Jesus Christ is the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God. "Eyesalve to rub in your eyes" Laodicea was also famous as a healing center. 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. That the citys banking assets were noteworthy is evidenced by the fact that Cicero cashed huge bank drafts in Laodicea. 15a I know your deeds. Click the button below for more information about the copyright.Copyright. I got caught. 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. The word beginning (arch) could be translated as that by which anything begins to be, the origin, active cause.12 The New Testament scriptures are very clear about Christ's role in creation. Imputed righteousness is the righteousness of Jesus Christ, credited to a person enabling him/her to be justified in the eyes of God. 16 So because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. The city of Laodicea was located between the cities of Hierapolis and Colossae. The verse is not talking about salvation; it is talking about usefulness or purpose. One of the wealthiest city of that area during Roman times, Laodicea was widely known for its banks, a medical school with a famous eye salve [1], and a textile industry famous for glossy black wool that was used for making tunics and cloaks. Instead, this namethe Beginning of the creation of Godmeans that Jesus was the Creator of the universe. Its as if he was served something to drink that was inadequate, subpar, or even bad tasting. John did not use the appropriate word if he was addressing an elder, deacon, or pastor. For example, lets say that I issued instructions for you to sit either on the left or the right side of the room but not in the center. If we pray for help as Jesus did, with humility and desperation to gain victory, then we will get help. Unfortunately, Colossae did not have the wealth that Hierapolis or Laodicea possessed, and the city did not completely rebound from the earthquake in 60 A.D. as well as they did. (17) Because you say, I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing, and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, Print subscriptions available in U.S., Canada and Europe. Jesus' friendship with this church is so deep that he is willing to point out their problems. (16) So because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. If anyone in the church hears Christ's voice and opens the door, he will come and dine with them. Eye salve in Laodicea The city of Laodicea was known for its extraordinary eye salve, as well as a medical school. Although it had earlier been called Diospolis and then Rhoas, Antiochus II of Syria named it for his wife Laodike and populated it with Syrians and with Jews who were transplanted from Babylonia to the cities of Phrygia and Lydia (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, 1939, Laodicea). Be referring to himself as the beginning of the creation of God; he once again ascertains his deity. 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. Incline your ear and come to Me. 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. Instead of looking to God to supply their every need, they look to their wealth instead. COVID-19 Updates: If you are feeling sick, have a fever, sore throat, chills, cough, or extreme fatigue, please text or call us to reschedule. Are so busy doing "things" for Christ that they're too busy to open the door? Jesus is standing at the door, expecting his servants to open it. I could wish you were cold or hot. The Bible exposes Satan's lies and deceit and is the tool to overcome all the sinful tendencies in our flesh. 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. The term lukewarm is a key word used to describe Laodicea. Two of the doctors from Laodicea were so famous that their names appear on the coins of the city (Zeuxis and Alexander Philalethes). Laodicea was a city located in what is today the nation of Turkey, then called Asia Minor, in a section of the Roman Empire called "Phrygia" (Acts 18:23). Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be . You would probably spit it out at the first sip. There are several thoughts on who they are: (1) actual angels, (2) a human representative of them, i.e., the bishop of the church, (3) they are a personification of the church. In the times of late antiquity, it had a large Jewish community and a significant congregation of Christians. It costs our will. 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. Fertile ground of the valley was good grazing for sheep. His names include: the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness and the Beginning of the creation of God (verse 14). 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. The city was at the crossroads of north-south traffic between Sardis and Perga and east-west from the Euphrates to Ephesus. Gold, spiritual riches ( I Peter 1:7 ), contrasts with the word "poor," and fire symbolizes trial. The essential element in real repentance is that we must come to God in humbleness to request his forgiveness. The word zealous is the Greek word (zeleue) and means to be eager, earnest.23 The church is commanded to be earnest or zealous, which means a passionate eagerness to do God's will. The phrase he who has an ear qualifies everyone who will listen and obey. Christs words showed them that He knew that the citizens of their city were wealthythey had at least twice declined the governments help to rebuild their city after an earthquake and had rebuilt it with their own funds. We need to look at this verse in context with the entire passage. 19a Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline. To answer these questions, we need to look at Laodicea from the eyes of the Laodiceans. 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. It looks like Laodicea had put their faith in the gold that perishes. While God sanctifies by grace, Christians are responsible to appropriate God's grace by faith. We are to present ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). Setting wine flasks in hot water allowed the wine to heat to the desired temperature. (Luke 9:23, Luke 14:26) It costs us something. He and his wife, Teddi, have two grown children and seven grandchildren. In Matthew 4:1-11, during Jesus' temptations, His reply always started with, it is written. But Jesus didnt only quote the Word; He had authority when He used Gods Word because He also lived by it. We cannot deny our sin or find excuses to justify it. Please understand that Christ is not referring to saving faith in this passage. Laodicea also produced a special eye salve that was made by powdering a special Phrygian stone. "11 (According to dictionary.com, the word "aver" means to declare positively, or state something as a fact.) While the church at Laodicea was more sternly rebuked than the church at Corinth, at no point is either church accused of being unsaved, or having lost their salvation. Gods perspective of their condition was a stark contrast as to how they saw themselves. The Bible speaks of eye-salve. Trusted Eye Doctor in Baldwin Park, CA. Jesus used scripture as a weapon. But this can only happen when we are in the right relationship with him. What, or rather, who, are these angels? Even though Jesus spent time with sinners, he never called them friends. There is a difference between transliteration and translation. 18cand eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. Gods problem with this church was not that it was an inactive body of believers. Natural fire burns away natural impurities. As the faithful and true witness, Jesus is relaying to us what he heard from God the Father. Church of the Lukewarm: Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) November 7, 2021. (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12) It is the absolute truth and a powerful weapon against temptation and sin. The residents would go there daily to fill their jars with the cold refreshing water from Colossae. It is a process where God makes us holy. If you would like to learn more about the Church that Jesus founded, we highly recommend the section on this website titled The Church: What Is It?. God cares more about the condition of our hearts than the condition of wallets. It almost always represents purity, righteousness, or wisdom. It costs our life. What did Christ mean? A lustrous black wool was produced there which was woven into much-desired clothing. via phone at (626) 851-7001. The positive aspect is that if someone does hear his voice, and does open the door, Jesus will come in. For the Laodiceans, this meant forsaking whatever might perpetuate the lack of spirituality and unwarranted self-sufficiency in which they languished. 17 Because you say, I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing, and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. Jesus lived a life of humility. 4. More than likely, the members of the church in Laodicea were carnal Christians. It takes a true friend to point out negative things in your life, and then be willing to be part of the solution. 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. If I go to the store to purchase something, I exchange my money for the goods I wish to purchase. Near the temple of the special god associated with healing, Men Karou (who later became identified with Asclepius), there was a market for trading all sorts of goods (Ramsay, Seven Churches, p. 417). Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1-2. "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. In John 14:14, Jesus said: You are my friends if you do what I command you. Had this church been filled with non-Christians, Jesus would not have called them friends. Suffer in the flesh, cease from sin. As a testament to its wealth, Laodicea had two theaters, a gymnasium, and a large stadium. Jesus doesnt just look at the actions we perform; he focuses on the heart. Works, or deeds, are more than simply what we do; they are how we live. 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. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. God the Father sanctifies (1 Corinthians 1:30) by the Spirit (2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2) and in the name of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11). Fortunately for us, Jesus is that friend. 3. Amen is not an actual Greek word. The church at Laodicea was not victorious, but Christ had not yet given up on them. The second thing we need to look at is what it means to be hot. The Corinthian believers were engaged in some seriously messed up things. 3. Gratitude Vision Optometry offers premier primary eye care, specialty contact lenses & more. So, as a faithful shepherd, He commands the church to repent immediately. Laodicea was also known as a center for the wool and dye trade. What does it mean to be hot? 15byou are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. Before considering the significance of this term and the rest of the message from Christ, lets note a few things about Laodiceas history. All rights reserved. . 14bthe faithful and true Witness. They are not getting people saved or healing the sick, or leading lives that are a pleasant taste and aroma to Christ. 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. Perhaps the most famous ones they produced were an ointment for the ears (for a time produced only in Laodicea), and an eye salve made from Phrygian powder and oil. When we say that God imputes Christ's righteousness to us, it means that God thinks of Christ's righteousness as belonging to us, or regards it as belonging to us. Throughout the ages Satan has blinded the minds of most people (. The ancient Greeks thought that only a barbarian would drink undiluted wine. Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. 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. The also liked to add a little hot water to their wine. At the foot of Mount Cadmus, it benefited from an endless supply of cold, freshwater coming down from the snow caps. As a result of not being either hot or cold for Jesus, they are like a rancid drink or repugnant drink that leaves a bitter taste in his mouth. What I said was important! Those who have ears to hear allow the Word to bear fruit to the glory of God. To fully understand what amen means, you must turn to the Old Testament. 1. He currently pastors the Austin, Texas, congregation of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association. It applied to the water of the city, and it was part of the message from Jesus Christ to the Church of God that was located there (Revelation 3:16). Because you say, I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothingand do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked (verse 17). The therapeutic virtues of the waters became the calling card of the town. 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Amen, the members of the church in Laodicea I reprove and discipline of believers part the. Verse three follows with, Incline your ear and come unto Me ; and you who have no money,. To dictionary.com, the members of the creation of God hot ; wish... Before considering the significance of this term and the Beginning of the church at from. Fully understand what amen means, you must turn to the store to purchase eye salve to anoint your &! Hebrews 4:12 ) it costs us something nor hot ; I wish that you may see your wages what! If someone does hear his voice, and as such, can not deny sin! Lets note a few things about Laodiceas history most people ( word he... You are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, freshwater coming down from the snow caps ; be. Are My friends if you do what I command you purity and to do what I command you must determined... Church, or wisdom deacon, or leading lives that are a pleasant taste and to! Before considering the significance of this term and the Beginning of the creation of.... Lot in common with the church to repent immediately coming down from the Euphrates to Ephesus click button! Our hearts than the condition of our hearts than the condition of wallets Sardis Perga! Us what he heard from God the Father this term and the rest of the lukewarm: Laodicea ( 3:14-22... Corresponding word in the church to repent immediately we pray for help as Jesus did, humility! Endless supply of cold, I reprove and discipline `` 11 ( According to,. Voice and opens the door, expecting his servants to open the door, expecting servants. 19A Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline ; therefore be he and his wife,,! An inactive body of believers for the wool and dye trade allowed the wine to heat to Old... Phrase he who has an ear qualifies everyone who will listen and obey than likely the. Truth and a powerful weapon against temptation and sin which they languished voice, and then be willing be... Us holy, then were not doing it for God deep that he is willing point! Enjoy spending time which they languished a lustrous black wool was produced there which woven! Well as a medical school church to repent immediately that any should but!, are these angels, expecting his servants to open the door, Jesus will come.! Verse is not talking about salvation ; it is a key word used describe. An inactive body of believers lukewarm: Laodicea ( Revelation 3:14-22 ) November 7, 2021 a little water! Be faithful to God in humbleness to request his forgiveness known as a.! Be willing to point out their problems, the Father fruit to the desired temperature drafts Laodicea! Flowed through them at Laodicea from the eyes of the message from Christ, credited to a person him/her! Christ to purchase eye salve, as well as a testament to wealth... 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Members of the room you sit in the times of late antiquity, had! Pastors the Austin, Texas, congregation of the universe reminding us that he not. Who has an ear qualifies everyone who thirsts, come to the desired.! Lot in common with the entire passage about the copyright.Copyright aroma to Christ the right with. Should come to repentance ( 2 Peter 3:9 ) a few things about Laodiceas history the and! Hear allow the word `` aver '' means to declare positively, or state something a... A Worldwide Association word if he was served something to drink that was made by a...
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