The Seven Churches of Asia Laodicea: “The Lukewarm Church”

“Laodicea lies at a major crossroads in the valleys of Asia Minor. The city was situated on a hill overlooking fertile valleys and majestic mountains. In Roman times, the city was an important center for administration and commerce. Court cases from the region were heard at Laodicea and funds were placed in the city's banks for safekeeping. Although damaged by earthquakes during the reign of Augustus (27 B.C.- A.D.14) and again in A.D. 60, the city kept rebuilding and prospering.”

“ Laodicea was a center for the regional textile industry. The sheep that grazed in the nearby valleys produced a black wool that was exceptionally soft. The wool was bought and sold in the city's markets.”

Laodicea had its own theater, (above). The city also had a stadium, gymnasium, etc. Gladiatorial games were held in the stadium.

“ Across the valley from Laodicea was the city of Hieropolis, which was located above the large white mineral deposits at the center of the photo. Since Hieropolis is much better preserved than Laodicea, a tour of its streets and buildings can help to show something of urban life in this area ” ( ) “For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis” ( Col. 4:13 ) velation/Laodicea/Hieropolis.htm

7 Laodicea Hierapolis Colossae courtesy of

“Across the valley from Laodicea is an enormous hot spring. The white mineral deposits from the spring are visible for miles across the valley. The town of Hieropolis was built near this spring.” Hierapolis, hot H2O; Colossae, cold; in the middle Laodicean...lukewarm H2O

HIEROPOLIS - main street lined by a massive colonnade. Laodicea would have looked comparable!

10 “The pavement on the main street of Hieropolis shows the ruts left by wheeled vehicles that passed this way in antiquity. The streets of Laodicea would also have been filled with traffic passing along the main routes of commerce in central Asia Minor.”

The Text “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, 'These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.’" Revelation 3:14,15

“So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' --and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked." The Text Revelation 3:16,17

“I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see." The Text Revelation 3:18

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." The Text Revelation 3:19,20

“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. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." The Text Revelation 3:21,22

Background Last of seven churches.Last of seven churches. Located in Phrygia, 60 miles southeast of Philadelphia.Located in Phrygia, 60 miles southeast of Philadelphia. On banks of the Lycus River.On banks of the Lycus River. Wealthy, industrial city.Wealthy, industrial city. Extensive banking operations.Extensive banking operations. Famous for eye powder.Famous for eye powder.

Author Described The “Amen.” Indicates His unchangeableness and guarantees fulfillment of the words He speaks. –Hebrews 13:8 –Hebrews 6:18

Faithful and true witness. –Faithful = trustworthy –True = perfect –Witness = one privy to actual conditions. John 8:13,14 Accurate conclusions. Author Described

Beginning of God’s Creation. –Origin and source. John 1:1-3 Colossians 1:15-17 Evidence of His Deity! Author Described

Words of Condemnation “Thou art neither cold nor hot.” He knew their works. No words of praise –Romans 12:11 “Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”

Condemnation “I know thy works…” “Neither cold or hot.” –Cold = untouched, indifferent, apathetic, ceasing to follow. –Hot = active, fervent, zealous, and determined.

“You are lukewarm. ” Had some concerns for spiritual matters Going through the motions Functioning—hearts not in it! – Matthew 22:5 “But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his own farm, another to his business.” Words of Condemnation

Protest and the Picture of Christ Protest and the Picture of Christ (v. 16) a picture of a sick man overcome with nausea about to vomit a picture of disgust because of sin Similar: “And the Lord was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart” (Genesis 6:6)

Do We Have the Spiritual Vision to See Ourselves As Christ Sees Us? The lukewarm Christian: –doesn’t see himself as God does –is blind to his indifference –cannot perceive his error –is too lazy to test himself (2 Corinthians 13:5) –doesn’t know that he is the reason others excuse themselves for not coming to worship, for not obeying, etc.

“Thou are wretched.” This is their true state before God Far from their own opinion! –Matthew 15:8 “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.” Words of Condemnation

“Thou are miserable.” A pitiable sight; excites pity and compassion “Enough religion to sicken them!” –1 Corinthians 15:19 “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable.” Words of Condemnation

“Thou are poor.” One who is completely destitute Had material security—but spiritually destitute! –Luke 12:15 “And He said to them, ‘Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.’” Words of Condemnation

“Thou are blind.” Lacking insight to true condition Blind to real dangers Without clear spiritual vision! –2 Peter 1:9 “For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.” Words of Condemnation

“Thou are naked.” Not properly attired before God Missing garments that should adorn God’s children A very DIFFERENT picture –Titus 2:10 “Not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.” Words of Condemnation

Possible Reasons No criticism against doctrine or organization. Lulled to sleep—Hebrews 3:13. No appreciation for value of spiritual wealth—2 Peter 1:5-10. “Keeping house.” Appeared to be righteous.

Punishment “I would that you were cold or hot.” It would be easier to deal with them. Thought they had no need for change –Matthew 12:30 “He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad.”

“I will spew you out of My mouth.” Extreme disgust A corpse in a religious cloak! –Matthew 23:15 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.” Punishment

Divine Remedy “Counsel to buy from me gold refined in fire—may be truly rich!” Purchased by the Lord Through trials and adversity –1 Peter 1:3-7 “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire…”

“White garments that you might be clothed! ” Symbol of holiness and purity Addressed inward man Contrast of fine garments in the city – 1 Timothy 5:22 “Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people's sins; keep yourself pure. ” Divine Remedy

“Anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you might see!” City famous for eye powder Spiritual blindness needed to be healed –James 1:22-25 “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.” Divine Remedy

“Be zealous and repent!” Take action quickly God will not tolerate true condition –2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” Divine Remedy

37 Gk. metanoeo “to change one’s mind for better...” (Strong’s #3340) The Church at Laodicea Gk. zeloo “to burn with zeal” (Strong’s #2206) Be zealous and repent (3:19) commentary

The Plea “As many as I love I rebuke and chasten.” Higher expression of love Still cared for them –Hebrews 12:11 “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

“Behold I stand at the door and knock. ” Driven out by indifference, He’s knocking at the heart seeking to reenter. Erring to come home – Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest... For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” The Plea

“If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in...” Conditional, on opening the door Fellowship can be restored. –1 John 1:7-10 “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” The Plea

“To him who overcomes, I will grant to sit with Me on My throne. ” Victory is assured. Enthroned with Him God can deliver on His promises! – Titus 1:2 “In hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.” The Plea