Is the Letter to the Church in Laodicea A Warning to Modern Churches?
This is the seventh and final installment of the letters to the seven churches in Revelations 2 and 3.
Jesus instructed John to write letters to the seven Christian churches while John was banished to the island of Patmos. These letters provided spiritual guidance in praise, correction, and promises tailored to their individual circumstances.
These timeless letters are still relevant to churches today. These messages apply to everyone who is a member of God’s community, including the community of believers (1 Cor. 6:19–20, 3:16–17; Rom. 12:1, 8:9, 14:8).
The letter to the church in Laodicea is the focus of this article.
Like previous articles, I will begin with a background on the city. I will then discuss the spiritual condition of the church and the specific message Jesus had for them. Next, I’ll go over how this letter relates to the church today. Last, I’ll wrap up the article with an opportunity to examine ourselves and make the required changes for our salvation and witness.
The Seven Churches
The seven early churches to whom John wrote letters were in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey): Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. These churches represented many of the difficulties and behaviors common to the larger Christian community.
This article outlines the letter to the church in Laodicea. But first, let’s talk about the letters.
The Letters
Jesus, the head of the church (Col. 1:8), dictated the letters to John. He addressed each letter to the angels of the respective churches. In Greek and Hebrew, “angel” refers to “messenger.” This could have referred to pastors, spiritual angels, or messengers speaking for churches (Got Questions Ministries).
It’s also worth noting that each of these letters followed a precise sequence. The Lord describes himself in a way that emphasizes the church’s condition. Then, Jesus offers unique insights about the church. He challenges or corrects them before ending with a promise. Scholars believe that this approach was used to prove that John was writing each letter under Jesus' full dictation.
After providing a brief history of the city of Laodicea, I will write in the same format as the letter. After which, I will explain how this letter applies to church today.
The Church in Laodicea
Background of the City
Laodicea was an extremely wealthy city that was established around the 3rd century BCE.
The city, named after Antiochus’ wife, Laodice, built strategically in the center of vital economic routes. Laodicea is along the path of Hierapolis and Colossae, two other prominent cities. This location positioned them to become the most prosperous of the seven cities.
Laodicea was well-known for many trades, particularly black wool. But they also traded marble, cattle and corn. Laodicea was also renown for its banking, philosophy, and medical school, all of which made eye salve and ear medication.
This wealthy city had its share of the Who’s who of the day. For instance, Cicero, the famous Roman state leader, served as the governor of the area and lived in Laodicea. And the Roman Emperor Hadrian spent a summer there as well.
The city was a melting pot of religious beliefs and had erected temples dedicated to Greek and Roman deities. However, there were also synagogues for the Jewish community and there was a growing Christian presence.
Laodicea’s collapse began during the Byzantine period, because of earthquakes, raids, and changes in trade routes. Because of its vast wealth, Laodicea became known for its independence. In fact, after the catastrophic AD 17 earthquake, they refused financial help from Rome.
However, by the end of the fifth century AD, another massive earthquake destroyed the city, causing it to lose its power and wealth forever. They did not rebuild Laodicea after that natural disaster, and the people moved to nearby cities. Eventually, the city lost its former grandeur and was abandoned.
The ruins of ancient Laodicea can be seen near the present-day town of Denizli.
Letter to the Church of Laodicea (Revelation 3:14–22)
In this letter, Jesus identifies himself as “The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Origin of the Creation of God,” (v. 3:14 ESV).
He uses Amen to authenticate his message to this church. His message was authoritative, and Amen indicates significant truth (2 Cor. 1:20; Heb. 1:1–2). Jesus continues the letter by identifying himself as the “faithful and true Witness,” meaning that he tells all the truth, for he is faithful to the truth (Rev. 1:5, 19:11; 22:6).
Jesus cannot lie (Num. 23:19; Titus 1:2; Heb. 6:18; 1 Sam. 15:29; 1 Jn 5:20; 2 Sam. 7:28; Jn. 17:3; Deut. 32:4; Isa. 55:11).
He concludes his introduction by describing himself as the Origin of the creation of God (Col. 1:15, 18; Rev. 21:6, 22:13; Prov. 8:22). Jesus is the origin of all history — It all begins and ends with him. And that includes natural and supernatural creation. He’s Alpha, and Omega, the beginning and the End! He’s sovereign and superior (Rev. 4:11; Psa. 147:5; Exod. 3:14; Psa. 90:2; Gen. 1:1; Jn. 1:1).
With this description, he addressed the Laodiceans’ arrogant and prideful nature.
The Rebuke
Jesus states that he knows their works, that they are neither cold nor hot. He says that he wishes they were one or the other. (v. 3:15).
This analogy actually aligns with Laodicea’s water situation. Unlike the mountain towns that had cold water streams (good for drinking) or access to hot springs (known for their healing qualities), Laodicea did not have its own water supply. Water had to be piped in through aqueducts. However, by the time it arrived, the water was lukewarm and full of sediment. This water is neither refreshed nor healed. It was disgusting!
So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of my mouth. (v. 3:16).
Lukewarm water had to be cooled or re-heated to make it fit for consumption. The lukewarm taste of the Laodicean’s tepid religious lifestyle would cause Jesus to vomit the church from his mouth! He rejects that passive Christianity. There is nothing mediocre about Jesus! (Eph. 3:19–21; Rom. 11:33).
Correction
Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have no need of anything, and you do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to apply to your eyes so that you may see. (v. 3:17–18).
Laodicea’s primary exports were gold, garments, and eye ointment. So using that analogy was epic. He’s saying that because you are delusional in your faith — smug in your riches and wealth, thinking you have all you need. The church in Laodicea was spiritually bankrupt, was blind to it! They needed what only Jesus can provide. (Jn. 3:14, 5:24, 14:6, 14:27).
He continues that they would want to “buy gold from me so you can become spiritually rich, white garments to cover your spiritual nakedness, and eye salve so your spiritual blindness is cured of your lukewarm faith and repent.” Jesus’ gold was the refining fire through affliction, white garments of the righteousness of Christ, and eye salve of the anointing of spiritual discernment through the Holy Spirit.
Jesus tells them, “Those who I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be zealous and repent.” Jesus exercises discipline as a loving father for our own good (Heb. 12:6). Although the discipline is painful, it does not last forever, and it produces righteousness (Heb. 12:11; 1 Pet. 1:6). He wants to make them better. (Rev. 3:19).
Promise
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” (v. 3:20).
Jesus is the perfect gentleman: He does not force himself on anyone. He is knocking on the door, patiently waiting for the church of Laodicea to welcome him in. He promises to fellowship with whoever will hear his voice and open the door (Jn. 14:23; Lk. 24:29–30). Jesus will restore anyone who obeys God and fellowships with him (Acts 3:19–21, 2:38; 2 Chron. &:14).
“The one who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat with My Father on His throne.” (v. 3:21). Jesus promises the privilege of participating in Jesus’ kingdom administration if they repent (Got Questions Ministries).
Today’s Significance
If you’ve followed my other articles on the letters to the churches, notice in the letter to Laodicea, Jesus did not commend this church. There was nothing Laodicea did that was noteworthy. Their deeds were useless, not good for anything or anyone.
It’s telling that their appearance of wealth (the world’s definition of success), was worthless in the Kingdom of God. “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1 Sam. 16:7).
In error, the church in Laodicea saw itself as self-sufficient. They allowed the cares of the world to become their focus instead of the cares of Christ. They were stagnating in their relationship with the Lord. It was non-existent. They neglected to use their gifts for the glory of God. Their wealth had blinded them to what they really needed—Jesus. As Jesus said, they failed to see that they were wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. (Rev. 3:17).
Like the church in Laodicea, many churches today look so much like the world that you can’t tell one from the other. If the church did not have the title of church in its name, one would not know the difference. The gospel has been watered down to make it palatable for the world, but at the expense of the integrity of the gospel. It’s more like a motivational speech meets a fashion show meets a nightclub.
This should not be.
Do you know that depending on your wealth, knowledge, business, career, social relationships, and other material things is idolatry? Anything that replaces God is an idol. God is clear—if you worship anything besides him, your punishment would be felt by your children to the third and fourth generation (Exod. 20:2–5). Your grandchildren and great-grandchildren will feel the impact of your consequences on idolatry!
Throughout the scriptures, we are encouraged to examine ourselves to make sure we do not fall into temptation and error (2 Cor. 13:5; Lam. 3:40; 1 Cor. 11:28–32; Gal. 6:3-5; Psa. 119:59; Psa. 139:23–24; Rom. 12:3). James said, “If anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in the mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.” (Jas. 1:23–24 ESV).
If we fail to be doers of the word, we risk the agony of what Jesus said will happen on the day of judgment: “On that day many will say to me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name? And then will I declare to them, I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.” (Matt. 7:22–23 ESV).
So let’s examine ourselves to ensure our salvation and build our relationship with Christ.
Ask the Holy Spirit to show you those areas you need to change.
I have included questions (with scripture verses for your reference) to explore the depths of your heart and discover areas where you need help:
Is This You?
- Are you lacking passion in your relationship with God? (Matt. 6:21; Psa. 84:2; Rom. 12:11; Psa. 51:12; Phil. 2:2; 1 Cor. 9:24–27; Matt. 5:6; 1 Cor. 9:22; Deut. 6:5; 1 Pet. 4:2; Jas. 4:3; 1 Cor. 13:13; 2 Tim. 2:22; Rev. 2:4; Col. 3:14; 1 Jn. 4:7).
- Is material wealth a priority over nurturing your connection with God? (1 Tim. 6:10; Matt. 6:24, 19–21; Ecc. 5:10; Luk. 12:15; Jas. 2:5).
- Are you comfortable exploring a deeper relationship with the Lord and what that requires of you? (Jn. 3:16; Rev. 3:20; Jn. 15:5; Jas. 4:8).
- Do you feel spiritually indifferent (or apathetic) in your commitment to following Christ? (Rev. 3:2; Rev. 3:16; Eph. 5:16; Jn 5:39–40; Jas. 4:17; Mk. 14:38–41).
- Do you rely on yourself instead of seeking God’s guidance and provision in your life? (Jn. 15:5; 2 Cor. 3:5; Rom. 12:3; Psa. 10:4; Prov. 3:5–6; Eph. 2:8; Phil. 2:3; Prov. 16:18).
- Do you hesitate to address areas of weakness in your spiritual life in favor of looking like you have it all together? (1 Sam. 16:7; Matt. 23:28; Jas. 1:23; 1 Pet. 3:3; Prov. 11:22; Ecl. 11:10; Col. 3:12–14; 1 Pet. 2:12; 1 Jn. 1:6).
- Are you content with your current level of knowledge or experience in your faith? (Eph. 4:22–24; Rom. 12:12; 1 Thess. 5:16–18; Phil. 4:6; Col. 4:2; Lk. 21:36; 2 Pet. 1:5–8; Isa. 41:10; Prov. 4:6; Eph. 5:1–33, 6:18; 2 Cor. 4:16–18; 1 Cor. 10:13; Jn. 6:33; Heb. 4:16)
- Do you prioritize the comforts of this world over the truths of God? (1 Jn. 2:15–17; Col. 3:2; Rom. 12:2; Eph. 5:11; Tit. 2:11–12; Matt. 16:26; 2 Cor. 4:18; Matt. 12:30; Gal. 5:16; Lk. 12:15)
- Are you experiencing spiritual emptiness, despite appearing successful? (Matt. 11:28–29; Job 15:31–32; Rom. 5:8; Jer. 29:11; Rom. 8:38–39; Isa. 53:4–6; Jn. 14:6; Rev. 3:20; Rom. 6:23; Eccles. 6:2;
- What do your actions show about your spiritual life? (Jas. 2:18,20–26; Jas. 4:17; Col. 3:23–24, 17; Tit. 1:16; 1 Pet. 1:13; Jas. 1:23–25; Matt. 7:21; 2 Chron. 31:21; Psalm 119:60; Rom. 12:1–2; 1 Jn. 3:17–18; Phil. 4:8).
After answering these questions, will you acknowledge any areas where you see you have spiritually compromised your faith and repent to restore your relationship with the Lord? (1 Jn. 1:9; 2 Pet. 3:9; Acts 2:38; Prov. 28:13; Rom. 10:9–10; Psa. 32:5; 1 Jn. 4:15, 2; Tit. 3:5; 2 Cor. 7:10; Acts 3:19; Matt. 10:32; Rev. 2:5)
What’s beautiful is that in his rebuke, Jesus told the church in Laodicea that he rebukes and disciplines those he loves. (Rev. 3:19). Even with the church’s disrespect and disloyalty, the Lord gives them the opportunity to turn from their ways and have a relationship with him. (Rev. 3:20–21).
The Bible makes it clear: Nothing can separate you from God’s love (Rom. 8:35–39). Jesus demonstrated his love with an appeal for the church in Laodicea to be “zealous and repent.” (Rev. 3:19).
In his kindness and mercy, Jesus invites you to repent and have a relationship with him. “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance,” (2 Peter 3:9 ESV).
Even in his love, he’s given you the choice to choose. If you decide to reject Christ, then hell will be your eternal home.
Jesus tells us, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.” (Matt. 22:37–38 ESV). When you commit to doing this, when you focus on doing it, there’s no room for idols.
If you are like the church in Laodicea, please heed Jesus’ letter—it is for you, too. As long as you’re still breathing, there is still a chance to get right with God.
Won’t you do that right now?
We should not procrastinate because the next moment is not guaranteed to any of us.
Please note: This article addresses the church (followers of Christ).
References
Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers (n.d.). Revelations, Chapter 3. ESV.org. Retrieved June 3, 2024, from https://www.esv.org/Revelation+3/
Free Text Bible Commentaries — Blue Letter Bible. Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/
Guzik, D. (n.d.). Study Guide for Revelation 3. Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/revelation/revelation-3.cfm?a=1170007
GotQuestions.org. (2022, January 4). GotQuestions.org. https://www.gotquestions.org/church-in-Philadelphia.html
Got Questions Ministries. (n.d.). Revelations Chapter 3. BibleRef. Retrieved June 28, 2024, from https://www.bibleref.com/Revelation/3/Revelation-chapter-3 .html
Laodicea Tour. (n.d.). Ephesus Travel Guide. https://www.ephesustravelguide.com/blog/laodicea-applied-to-be-in-unesco-heritage-list
Laodicea on the Lycus. (2019, October 20). Turkish Archaeological News. https://turkisharchaeonews.net/site/laodicea-lycus
Sansal, B. (n.d.). Laodicea | All About Turkey. https://www.allaboutturkey.com/laodicea.html
The Letter to the Church in Laodicea by Mark Bates. (n.d.). Ligonier Ministries. https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/letter-church-laodicea#:~:text=Unlike%20the%20mountain%20towns%20that,lukewarm%20and%20full%20of%20sediment.
