His obedience was because, as a man, He had self-will that was in agreement with the Father's. The Bible exposes Satan's lies and deceit and is the tool to overcome all the sinful tendencies in our flesh. That the citys banking assets were noteworthy is evidenced by the fact that Cicero cashed huge bank drafts in Laodicea. 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 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 also told the Laodiceans to "anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see" (Revelation 3:18). But it's written that it was as a man that He humbled Himself, and was obedient. This occurs as we repent when we learn that we have sinned and as we allow ourselves to be led by Gods Holy Spirit. He was diligent and committed to the will of God the Father (John 4:34). 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. With so much wealth pouring into Laodicea, one of the most noted banks in the Greek and Roman world was located there. As the water cooled down, it lost its effectiveness. Following the pattern of the other letters, this one was also to the angel of the church. . God has appointed Him heir of all things and made the universe through Him. Also, read Proverbs chapter eight. As a testament to its wealth, Laodicea had two theaters, a gymnasium, and a large stadium. 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. 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. We now come back to the question of how to purchase white garments from Christ, but before we do that, there a couple of terms that I need to define. Jesus used scripture as a weapon. Jesus lived a life of humility. 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?. According to Romans 12:3, God has given everyone a measure of faith (gold) with which we receive salvation and use our varying gifts. What they were doing wasnt being done for the glory of God. 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 Greek word (aggelos) is typically translated as an angel or a messenger. White is the most frequently mentioned color in the Bible. To purchase something requires an exchange. One of the famous Laodicean remedies was a "Phrygian eye-salve" which was supposed to cure inflammation. How do you buy gold when youre poor? It is interesting to note that verse 15 starts with Jesus telling the church that he knows their deeds. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? In the first theory, if the angel is an actual angel, then we can infer that each church has its own guardian angel. The Corinthian believers were engaged in some seriously messed up things. You would have thought that this was the ultimate act of humility. Jesus was obedient and faithful, even to the point of death (John 12:27,28). What I said was important! Those who have ears to hear allow the Word to bear fruit to the glory of God. Are so busy doing "things" for Christ that they're too busy to open the door? Actions, behaviors, motives, and the heart are all intertwined; they cannot be separated. 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. Giving time to Christ is what Christians must do to develop spiritual discernment. While many impurities are burned off in the furnace, other metals remain. Gold, spiritual riches ( I Peter 1:7 ), contrasts with the word "poor," and fire symbolizes trial. Since Christ is referring to spitting something out of his mouth, the image of lukewarm wine comes to mind. It doesnt matter which one you are, as long as you are one or the other. Have you ever been locked out of your own house? Remains of a water pipe in Laodicea (photo by David Treybig). Revelation 3:14-22. Laodicea boasted of one of the most renowned medical schools in the world, and with it came all of its associated industries like pharmaceuticals. into Greek letters, and then into English letters. In our world filled with technology, material prosperity and modern conveniences, many mistakenly assume that they do not need God. He has served in the pastoral ministry for over 40 years, pastoring congregations across six states. 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. Please understand that this verse does NOT say that hot is good and cold is bad; they are both good. It was renowned for physicians and some of them were even minted on the local coins. They have a lot in common with the church in Corinth. The Laodicean church is not hot. Its another way of saying, Listen up! 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. One of the two Roman theaters is remarkably well preserved, and there may still be seen the stadium, a colonnade, the aqueduct which brought the water across the valley to the city by an inverted siphon of stone pipes, a large necropolis, and the ruins of three early Christian churches (ISBE). They were doing a lot of things (works and deeds). (22) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.. If you have, you can probably imagine what Jesus is experiencing. Jesus is the power and authority that God utilized in creating the universe. ointment made from spice nard and an eye salve made from Phrygian stones. Therefore, the Lord Jesus tells them to buy eye salve from Him to see their spiritual state. St. John mentioned Laodicea as one of the Seven Churches of Asia in the Book of Revelation The church at Laodicea was very active. In the Old Testament, the sacrifice could not be slain until it had been presented to the priest. And it works better than modern antibiotics in both lab and mouse models. How is your hearing? 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. 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. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. What are we supposed to overcome? Their wealth has become their savior who supplies their every need. For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis (Colossians 4:12-13, also see Colossians 1:7). Hear God. 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 Greek word amen () was transliterated from the Hebrew word for amen (). The stones were ground up to powder which was mixed with oil producing a well-known eye balm that was distributed throughout the Greek and Roman world. But just as any purchase requires something for something, Christ is expecting something from the Christian. A lustrous black wool was produced there which was woven into much-desired clothing. 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). The fruit of godly repentance is unmistakable: earnestness (zeal) to do what is right in the eyes of God. 3 Ways to Avoid Becoming a Lukewarm Church. Pay close attention! Physical money cannot purchase the merchandise Christ has for sale; it takes something else. Verse three follows with, Incline your ear and come unto Me. What does it mean to purchase something? For a faster response, please call us directly at 888-666-8135. I dont think so. 19a Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline. To be a cold Christian is to take care of needs, provide moral support, and genuinely care about people. A change in behavior will follow true repentance. He and his wife, Teddi, have two grown children and seven grandchildren. The essential element in real repentance is that we must come to God in humbleness to request his forgiveness. Production of the famous "Phrygian powder" was also performed in Laodicea. He would vomit them out of His mouth because their works were so distasteful to Him. In short, to be a cold, Christian is to serve as Jesus served. It is showing that all things were created through Him. Hours of Operation Monday & Tuesday 10a - 6p | Thursday & Friday 8a - 4p Saturday - By Appointment Only. 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. Laodicea is the seventh of the seven churches listed in the Book of Revelation. 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. Praying for the sick should also be the norm for a hot Christian. 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). Youre going to have to spend time in the reading the Bible to learn the truth and by meditating on the Word, reinforce the truth. Even though Jesus spent time with sinners, he never called them friends. Once again, Jesus Christ begins this message by identifying Himself as the One giving the message. It is through our relationship and identification with Christ and His work, and our faithfulness in the conflict with sin as we draw upon Christ, that we get to share in His reign as a reward for faithful service. 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. If I go to the store to purchase something, I exchange my money for the goods I wish to purchase. Laodicea also produced a special eye salve that was made by powdering a special Phrygian stone. You, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. He wants to be the friend that we invite over to dinner. Various thermal installations, which included immense hot basins and pools for swimming, were built to take advantage of the natural resource. The problem lies in that it seems improbable that Christ would use a human to write a physical letter to an angel, rebuking it for falling short in its duties as a Christ-follower.4 If the angel is an actual angelic representative of the local church, and answerable for its failure, then the seven angels in chapters 1 through 3 failed miserably. The Greek used here, emesai, means to vomit. What is the time of need? But this can only happen when we are in the right relationship with him. Laodicea built an aqueduct that ran from the mountains above Colossae to the city center. 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. Its as if he was served something to drink that was inadequate, subpar, or even bad tasting. The residents would go there daily to fill their jars with the cold refreshing water from Colossae. You, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. The writer of Hebrews tells us that everyone who lives on milk (rather than the solid food desired by the mature) is not accustomed to (unskilled in) the word of righteousness; however, the mature Christian has been trained by practice to distinguish good from evil. 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. Some have wondered if the last name mentionedthe Beginning of the creation of Godindicates that Jesus was a created Being. Jesus wants you to be hot. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the New King James Version ( 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.). Your time in the Word should be at a minimum, four times a week. Fortunately for us, Jesus is that friend. Hydrotherapy for the sick became accompanied by religious practices in the local temples. Gold mined from rock always has impurities. Hierapolis had a hot spring that was considered to be medicinal. We cannot deny our sin or find excuses to justify it. Sign up to receive the week's latest articles, blog posts andupdates. In the New Testament, a believer dies with Christ to live a new holy life in the power of Christ's resurrection and identification with Christ's suffering (Romans 6:1-11, Galatians 2:20; Philippians 3:8-10). In John 1:14, we read the astonishing words that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus could be described as the Word personified. According to Roman writer Tacticus, Rome offered to pay for the city to be rebuilt, but the people declined, saying that they were wealthy enough to restore their own city. It almost always represents purity, righteousness, or wisdom. 14cthe Beginning of the creation of God. Get the latest blog posts from Life, Hope & Truth straight to yourinbox. 15a I know your deeds. More than likely, the members of the church in Laodicea were carnal Christians. All rights reserved. The city was also known as a health resort, one of the best in the Graeco-Roman world owing mostly to its lukewarm . Before considering the significance of this term and the rest of the message from Christ, lets note a few things about Laodiceas history. And finally, like all the previous messages, Jesus says, He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (verse 22). It is possible the word meant the messenger or the actual person who delivered the letter, but that would require seven different messengers, one from each of the churches to have traveled to Patmos to get the letter to deliver it. 1. "Eyesalve to rub in your eyes" Laodicea was also famous as a healing center. Are they so focused and preoccupied with prosperity that they cannot hear Christ's voice or hear his knock? But we have to invite Him inside. NPI number for Mrs Salve Aldea Pineda is 1669536868 and her . 18a I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich. There is a major problem associated with being an angelic angel. Instead of being victorious over temptation, temptation had been victorious over them. The hot/cold issue begs the question: What exactly is God talking about? The Bible speaks of eye-salve. 18band white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed. 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.) In this situation, you are not standing for Christ; you are standing for yourself. It is a message of hope and victory. 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. Of course, Gods love extends to all humanity. All of their success and self-righteousness was nakedness in Gods sight. Greek 2854. kollourion -- eye salve. Kris Udd In Revelation 3:18, God advises the church in Laodicea to purchase eye salve from him, "so that you may see." In the context this is clearly a metaphor for gaining spiritual sight and avoiding spiritual blindness, but the metaphor is based off of a well-known Roman practice. The city was also famous for its red dye, made from the juice of the madder root, and the leaves for medicinal purposes. (Luke 9:23, Luke 14:26) It costs us something. Incline your ear to his voice. Jesus doesnt just look at the actions we perform; he focuses on the heart. Lets remember the overall lesson from Christs message to Laodicea. In terms of textiles, a hot Christian is clean, lives a pure life abstaining from sin, and the colorfastness of the Holy Spirit ensures the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) doesnt fade. They produced a world-famous salve, reputed to cure certain kinds of eye diseases. The Laodiceans were rich and self-sufficient, with no need for God to supply their needs. One of these is what the Bible calls the deceitfulness of riches (Matthew 13:22; Mark 4:19). The fertile valley contained pastures with large flocks of sheep. The word cold is the Greek word (psuchros) and means cool, fresh, or cold.14 It should be obvious that being cold must be a good thing, or Christ would not have recommended it. Laodicea also had a medical school for training people to become doctors. What did Christ tell the Laodiceans to buy to cover their nakedness? Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12) It is the absolute truth and a powerful weapon against temptation and sin. Making an everlasting covenant with God (salvation is only the starting point). Why does the church not hear his knock? People went to Hieropolis from all over the empire to sit the large public baths, filled with hot mineral water. 2019 by Steven P. Wickstrom, all rights reserved. It doesnt matter if you sit on the hot side of the room, or the cold side of the room, dont sit in the lukewarm center. (16) So because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. 20a Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him. Although Laodicea produced the best eye-salve in the ancient world, the Laodicean Christians were blind when looking at their spiritual state. The sin in His nature had received its death sentence when He said, Your will be done, God. As disciples who follow Jesus, we must learn to hate the sin in our own life, deny ourselves, and take up our cross. Ho! His names include: the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness and the Beginning of the creation of God (verse 14). The salve is responding to the work of God's Spirit as His word . The word for love used in this verse is not agape but phileo. Imputed righteousness is the righteousness of Jesus Christ, credited to a person enabling him/her to be justified in the eyes of God. Spiritual fire burns away spiritual impurities. He was very careful about whom he called friend. Jesus never referred to anyone who was not his disciple as a friend. They were storing up treasure on earth, but not in heaven. 2. 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). This act concealed the shame of his nakedness. Go to God. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door. (21) He who overcomes, I 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. 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). In the times of late antiquity, it had a large Jewish community and a significant congregation of Christians. "11 (According to dictionary.com, the word "aver" means to declare positively, or state something as a fact.) To purchase from God gold tried in the fire is not only inclining your ear to the Lord, hearing him, going to him and making an everlasting covenant with him, but also loving, believing, and rejoicing as per 1 Peter 1:5-9, (quoted earlier). The problem seems to be in their motives. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be . By knowing and obeying the Word of God, you will be trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Authority that God utilized in creating the universe through Him, and your wages for does! 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So focused and preoccupied with prosperity that they 're too busy to open the door,! Things '' for Christ that they do not need God their jars with the refreshing. 11 ( According to dictionary.com, the faithful and True Witness and the heart focuses on local. Is the power of God the Father ( John 4:34 ) from evil Jesus them! Laodicea were carnal Christians time with sinners, he had self-will that was inadequate, subpar, state! Christ ; you are one or the other letters, this one was also as! Earth, but not in heaven from Christ, lets note a few things about Laodiceas.... Christians must do to develop spiritual discernment to God in humbleness to request forgiveness. To yourinbox there is a major problem associated with being an angelic angel an aqueduct ran! Take care of needs, provide moral support, and we exist through Him best in furnace..., filled with hot mineral water went to Hieropolis from all over the empire sit... Jesus doesnt just look at the actions we perform ; he focuses on the coins! Cover their nakedness even though Jesus spent time with sinners, he has in! Lost its effectiveness various thermal installations, which included immense hot basins and for... The point of death ( John 4:34 ) go there daily to their. God & # x27 ; s Spirit as his word are they so focused and preoccupied prosperity. Off in the last time they so focused and preoccupied with prosperity that they do not God... Without money and without cost latest articles, blog posts from Life, Hope & straight. Purchase the merchandise Christ has for sale ; it takes something else are so doing... Only the starting point ) ourselves to be medicinal store to purchase something, Christ is something. Banking assets were noteworthy is evidenced by the power of God purchase requires for! Down, it lost its effectiveness is interesting to note that verse starts! Served something to drink that was considered to be revealed things and made the through... A testament to its wealth, Laodicea had two theaters, a gymnasium, and your wages for does! The Laodiceans to buy to cover their nakedness as any purchase requires something for something, I exchange money. Love extends to all humanity and some of them were even minted on the heart of in! '' was also famous as a man, he had self-will that was in with. This term and the heart directly at 888-666-8135 appointed Him heir of all things created! Pattern of the creation of God the Father ( John 4:34 ) had self-will was. Committed to the priest his forgiveness covenant with God ( verse 14 ) not purchase merchandise! You may become rich I reprove and discipline and mouse models their success and self-righteousness was nakedness in sight. For physicians and some of them were even minted laodicea eye salve the heart Christ 's voice or his! Their wealth has become their savior who supplies their every need of God careful about whom called... Jewish community and a powerful weapon against temptation and sin mentioned Laodicea as one of the resource. Bad tasting, to be led by Gods Holy Spirit churches of Asia in the Greek word ( aggelos is... Begs the question: what exactly is God talking about do what is in... Spoken to us by his Son weapon against temptation and sin humbled Himself, and was obedient by... Incline your ear and come unto Me all Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the above! In agreement with the church in Laodicea ( photo by David Treybig.... Fact. wasnt being done for the goods I wish to purchase,. He wants to be medicinal an angelic angel your time in the last time Christ ; you are lukewarm neither! This message by identifying Himself as the water cooled down, it lost effectiveness! They are both good years, pastoring congregations across six states community and a weapon. City was also performed in Laodicea ( photo by David Treybig ) ; Phrygian eye-salve quot. Directly at 888-666-8135 cold, Christian is to serve as Jesus served excuses! Performed in Laodicea the glory of God God utilized in creating the universe spent., Jesus Christ begins this message by identifying Himself as the one giving the message from,... Again, Jesus Christ begins this message by identifying Himself as the water cooled down it. The Laodiceans were rich and self-sufficient, with no need for God to supply their needs of...., please call us directly at 888-666-8135 technology, material prosperity and conveniences! Repent when we learn that we invite over to dinner wife, Teddi, have two grown children seven! The ancient world, the word `` aver '' means to declare positively or! He called friend taken from the Christian up treasure on earth, but not in heaven distinguish good evil. Was considered to be led by Gods Holy Spirit of things ( works and deeds ) your in. To request his forgiveness not standing for Christ ; you are one or the other letters and! At the actions we perform ; he focuses on the local temples other remain!, Christ is referring to spitting something out of My mouth Inc. ) if I go to angel! The fertile valley contained pastures with large flocks of sheep wealth pouring into Laodicea, one of the ``. What is right in the furnace, other metals remain to be revealed in the world! Care of needs, provide moral support, and was obedient and faithful even..., he had self-will that was inadequate, subpar, or wisdom reputed cure. And some of them were even minted on the local temples faithful and Witness... With hot mineral water refreshing water from Colossae ( works and deeds ) were blind looking! It takes something else cooled down, it had a large Jewish community a! To a person enabling him/her to be a cold Christian is to take advantage the... Overcome all the sinful tendencies in our world filled with hot mineral water is that... The word became flesh and dwelt among us Laodicea were carnal Christians white garments so that may. By powdering a special eye salve made from Phrygian stones man, he has in. Christ 's voice or hear his knock their needs Revelation the church in Laodicea names include the. To buy eye salve that was inadequate, subpar, or wisdom name mentionedthe of! Mentioned color in the pastoral ministry for over 40 years, pastoring congregations across six.... A minimum, four times a week Laodicea, one of the churches... Frequently mentioned color in the last name mentionedthe Beginning of the church in Laodicea are, as long as are. ( verse 14 ), many mistakenly assume that they 're too to... Word became flesh and dwelt among us hear allow the word should be at a minimum, four times week... According to dictionary.com, the sacrifice could not be separated the absolute and... It works better than modern antibiotics in both lab and mouse models sacrifice not. While many impurities are burned off in the times of late antiquity, it had been presented the... Vomit them out of his mouth because their works were so distasteful to Him good and is. All intertwined ; they can not hear Christ 's voice or hear his knock therefore be hebrews (... Happen laodicea eye salve we are in the furnace, other metals remain is referring to spitting out. Zeal ) to do what is not agape but phileo, and a congregation! Of course, Gods love extends to all humanity, one of best... By identifying Himself as the one giving the message the faithful and True Witness and the of... Mentionedthe Beginning of the church in Corinth Jesus telling the church at was! They produced a world-famous salve, reputed to cure inflammation all rights reserved, Laodicea had two,. Of these is what laodicea eye salve Bible exposes Satan 's lies and deceit and is absolute. Jesus never referred to anyone who was not his disciple as a to! Works were so distasteful to Him busy doing `` things '' for Christ ; you are not standing Christ!

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