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[Revelation Ch.3: The 7 Churches (Cont'd)] VIII.
Church of Laodicea
The city of Laodicea was a wealthy inland city, a center of industry and
commerce. Its main industry was wool cloth. Its churches were wealthy but
lukewarm.
Laodicea
means “the people ruling”. This
is the end-time age to the tribulation. It represents the ecumenical,
apostate church that is in vogue today. This church is not only
disappointing, it is disgusting. REV
3:14 ...the Amen, the faithful and true witness
Christ is the FINAL Word from God. Beyond Him, God has nothing more to
say. REV
3:14 ...the beginning of the creation of God
In view of parallel passages and the entire doctrine of Scripture, the
translation should be "te beginner (starter) of creation."
He created all things, by Him were all things created (John 1:3;
Col. 1:16). REV
3:15-16 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot...I
will spue thee out of my mouth.
This is the only church without any commendation from Christ. It is so
sickeningly self-satisfied and lukewarm, that Christ has nothing but
condemnation for it. REV
3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods,
and have need of nothing
This is Laodicea's description of itself. Nothing is more disgusting than
self-deception. REV
3:17 ...and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable,
and poor, and blind, and naked:
This is Christ's description of the Laaodicean church. Nothing is more
piercing than the evaluation of Christ. REV
3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire; that
thou mayest be rich
Christ offers them refined gold, gold that can stand the test of fire. The
banking industry of the city was enormous, but true wealth had
disappeared. REV
3:18 ...and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed
An ironic reference to the city's main industry. Laodicea was especially
noted for its black woolen garments. REV
3:18 ...and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest
see.
A medical school was located in the temple of Asclepius, famous for a
special salve to ease eye disorders. REV
3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my
voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him,
and he with me.
What a reflection on the church's apostasy! The Head of the Church is now
standing outside, knocking at the door. And how gracious that He
should still be knocking! REV
3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my
throne
A
promise to reign with Christ in His coming kingdom. Despite backsliding
and lukewarmness, when repentance is shown, Christ is ever ready to
reinstate the prodigal back to the position of honor.
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