The word amen is used thirty times in the Old Testament. For us to purchase something from Christ, something is required. But it's written that it was as a man that He humbled Himself, and was obedient. These Christians believe they are rich by believing in Christ and have abundance by their good works. They were storing up treasure on earth, but not in heaven. One of these is what the Bible calls the deceitfulness of riches (Matthew 13:22; Mark 4:19). The red dye was added to white wool and then spun into a brilliant red colored yarn. 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. They had somehow taken off the white clothing they received during salvation and stood naked before God. To fully understand what amen means, you must turn to the Old Testament. 14bthe Amen. Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and delight yourself in abundance. 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. Youre going to have to give him your time. 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?. Spiritual discernment is the ability to tell the difference between truth and error. Hebrew writing has no vowels, so the Greek leter for "e" was added by the translaters to make the word easier to read and speak. Print subscriptions available in U.S., Canada and Europe. Chemicals such as cyanide solution or mercury are introduced to the gold to separate the gold from other metals. All rights reserved. He humbled Himself so that He could achieve His purpose in God's plan by putting God's will before His own. Physical money cannot purchase the merchandise Christ has for sale; it takes something else. Are they so focused and preoccupied with prosperity that they cannot hear Christ's voice or hear his knock? 3. Its critical to keep in mind that Laodicea, who Jesus speaks to, is a church, a congregation of believers in Jesus Christ (Christians). That the Christians will co-reign with Christ (sitting with Him on His throne) is stated in the New Testament on numerous occasions (Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:30; 1 Corinthians 6:1-3, 2 Timothy 2:12). Why does the church not hear his voice? Hierapolis achieved great renown for its hot springs and day spas. To heal their weak spiritual condition, Jesus said, 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 (verse 18). The second thing we need to look at is what it means to be hot. Their money has become their idol, and they worship it rather than worshiping God. The act of hearing implied obedience. The city's reputation was for its money transactions and the good quality of raven-black wool grown in the area.1 The black wool, spun into dark yarn, was added to yarn dyed in other colors and made some very intricately patterned colored clothing, which sold for a high price in Rome. Revelation 3:14-22 It is the motive behind the action, or works, that is important. The eye salve must be purchased, and it is expensive. Other sources suggest that the water came from a hot spring with mineralized water containing sulfur, giving it an unpleasant taste and smell. Youre going to have to spend time reading the Word, studying the Word, memorizing the Word, meditating on the Word, and obeying the Word. Hear God. The time you give Christ to purchase this eye salve, the more results you will see. The mineral water was used to clean the wool and set, or lock, the color of the dyes (this ensures the wool holds its color when washed). People went to Hieropolis from all over the empire to sit the large public baths, filled with hot mineral water. The Roman historian Tacitus wrote that the Laodiceans had again refused aid from Rome following an earthquake that badly damaged the city in A.D. 60 (Annals, 14:27). 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. The church at Laodicea was very active. While Colossae was neither as prominent or wealthy as Hierapolis or Laodicea, its location at the end of the valley made it easy to defend from enemies. Fertile ground of the valley was good grazing for sheep. Whenever Christ says, He who has ears to hear, let him hear, He is calling for people to pay careful heed. He's locked out of his own house. The first question well delve into is why they needed to purchase white garments. The Laodicean church is not hot. Sanctification is a progressive work of God and man that makes us more and more free from sin and like Christ in our actual lives.19 Imparted righteousness is applied imputed righteousness, or to put in simpler terms; sanctification is applied justification. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door. Laodicea was known for it's black wool. Ho! The hot Christian should also be like hot wine; the pleasant taste and aroma of a Christ-like life should cause people to want Christs salvation as well. If you have, you can probably imagine what Jesus is experiencing. All of their success and self-righteousness was nakedness in Gods sight. Confession by itself is not repentance. 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. So what does it cost to purchase eye salve from Christ? Both of these cities were known for the pure waters that flowed through them. Laodicea was a town in the Lycus River valley in present-day Turkey. 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. Why does the church not hear his knock? That would not be logical since the church at Laodicea has already accepted Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. Of course, Gods love extends to all humanity. 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). via phone at (626) 851-7001. The church at Laodicea was not victorious, but Christ had not yet given up on them. 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. How is your hearing? 14a To the angel of the church in Laodicea. In the medical works of the 2 nd century AD physician Galen of Pergamon, he described an eye medicine made from a Phrygian stone, probably broken down into a powder or made into a clay, and the eye "salve" John mentions in connection with Laodicea is the same word used by Galen and other medical texts of antiquity (Revelation 3:18; Liddell . With so much wealth pouring into Laodicea, one of the most noted banks in the Greek and Roman world was located there. I got caught. The name is derived from two words: laos, meaning people and dike, meaning decision (Strongs Concordance). Copyright 2004 -, Transliteration of Amen From Hebrew to Greek to English. Giving time to Christ is what Christians must do to develop spiritual discernment. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Revelation 3:14-22). Suffer in the flesh, cease from sin. Then we must take active, practical steps to avoid falling into sin. 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. First of all, it begins with recognizing with a heart-rending awareness that we have defied God when we sin. The first thing we need to look at is what it means to be cold. Please understand that this verse does NOT say that hot is good and cold is bad; they are both good. The Lord rebukes the wealthy Christians, not because of their wealth, but rather because their money has substituted God. 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. Serving wine lukewarm would be considered an insult. Laodicea was known for three things: It was a wealthy city and a financial center. To hear is to obey. Both churches needed a severe rebuke. God's discipline may be gentle persuasion to return to right behavior, or he may use punitive action if persuasion fails. If there had been a corresponding word in the Greek language, then amen could have been translated. What is the time of need? From sexual promiscuity to getting drunk while meeting together to quarreling amongst themselves, these people were far from the ideal loving and thriving church body. 2. Gods perspective of their condition was a stark contrast as to how they saw themselves. In our world filled with technology, material prosperity and modern conveniences, many mistakenly assume that they do not need God. Water is an important necessity for any metropolis, and the ancient city of Laodicea accommodated this need. Phileo is the Greek word for friend or friendship. As Jesus warned in His Olivet Prophecy, But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. They probably think they are just like any other church. This occurs as we repent when we learn that we have sinned and as we allow ourselves to be led by Gods Holy Spirit. 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. Laodicea was a town in the Lycus River valley in present-day Turkey. They may have been well off economically, but they were poor in their relationship with God. Hierapolis had a hot spring that was considered to be medicinal. The writer speaks to those who had become dull of hearing, meaning they had little to no spiritual discernment. The Holy Spirit will come and show us the way out. Works, or deeds, are more than simply what we do; they are how we live. Instead of being victorious over temptation, temptation had been victorious over them. Concluding with encouragement, Jesus reminds them that if they overcome, they will rule with Him (verse 21). We must be determined to pursue purity and to do what pleases God (1 Thessalonians 1:9). The letter to Laodicea was written to Christians who already had the white garments of salvation, so we are led to wonder why they needed to purchase more white garments and how to purchase them. Coffee, for example, can be served either hot or iced (cold). He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Before He left the earth, Jesus promised His disciples that He would send them the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, who would guide them to the truth (John 14:16-17, 26; John 15:26). What, or rather, who, are these angels? The Greek word arche, which is translated Beginning, has a range of meanings from beginning, origin to the person or thing that commences to that by which anything begins to be to the first place, principality, rule, magistracy (Thayers Greek Lexicon). 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). As a testament to its wealth, Laodicea had two theaters, a gymnasium, and a large stadium. Are so busy doing "things" for Christ that they're too busy to open the door? The city was also famous for its red dye, made from the juice of the madder root, and the leaves for medicinal purposes. Jesus loves this church, or he would not have rebuked them. Time. A 1,000-year-old Anglo-Saxon 'eye salve' made from onion, garlic, wine and part of a cow's stomach has been shown to wipe out 90 percent of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, otherwise known as MRSA. 1 Peter 1:5-9 compares faith with refined gold. The whole point of this verse is that lukewarm has no use. "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. Lets remember the overall lesson from Christs message to Laodicea. Knowing this historical fact sheds light on why the church in Laodicea would have been told that Jesus would give them salve to put on their eyes so they could truly see. It was uncontaminated water straight from the mountains. The Laodiceans were rich and self-sufficient, with no need for God to supply their needs. 2. Church of the Lukewarm: Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) November 7, 2021. This promise is amazing because, whenever we do overcome in the battles of life, it is always through Him. In the Old Testament, the sacrifice could not be slain until it had been presented to the priest. Two of the doctors from Laodicea were so famous that their names appear on the coins of the city (Zeuxis and Alexander Philalethes). 2019 by Steven P. Wickstrom, all rights reserved. Its as if he was served something to drink that was inadequate, subpar, or even bad tasting. After he sinned, he felt his nakedness and shame. Only a few are willing; the rest have ears, but they do not have ears to hear (Matthew 7:1314, 2427). He is the one who addressed the church at Laodicea. David Treybig is a husband, father and grandfather. It is my opinion, therefore, that the angel is a symbol, or personification, of the church, rather than one of the heavenly angelic hosts. Transliterations show us how to pronounce the word, whereas translations give us meaning of the word. valley. What exactly is forgiveness? If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing . When the messages to the churches of Revelation 2-3 are viewed as a chronological development of the Church, this passage also indicates that the return of Christ is near. If were doing something hoping that it will bring ourselves glory or accolades or pats on the back, then were not doing for God. It was a medicine used for treating eye diseases. He had to take up a battle against the sin, and carry out His pledge: Not My will, but Yours, be done! The residents of Laodicea would have also traveled up to Hierapolis to sit in the hot mineral baths. They produced a world-famous salve, reputed to cure certain kinds of eye diseases. Christ told the church at Laodicea to buy____from Him to become truly rich. He reckons it to our account.18 The process of reckoning is what we call salvation. Incline your ear and come to Me. In ancient Greek culture, the evening meal was a social event. While we may never be free from temptation and sin in this lifetime, we can still be victorious and overcome. The eye salve must be purchased, and it is expensive. Jesus is telling the church that He doesnt simply know their deeds; He knows the motives in their hearts. 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). (18) I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. To purchase something requires an exchange. In the New Testament, eyes tend to represent spiritual discernment (Matthew 13:10-17, 1 John 2:11). On the cross daily, they suffer and die. 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. Tunics manufactured in Laodicea, called trimata, were so well-known that the city had the nickname of Trimataria.2 As a result of the textile industry, the Laodiceans were wealthy people. God has appointed Him heir of all things and made the universe through Him. Also, read Proverbs chapter eight. The time of need is when temptation comes when we see and feel the sin in our flesh when we struggle to keep ourselves from sinning. 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. Throughout the ages Satan has blinded the minds of most people (. Another salve supposedly healed ear problems. Since Scripture tells us that the Word (Jesus) was in the beginning with God and that all things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made (John 1:1-3), we know that Jesus was not a created Being. The Laodiceans needed to turn away from putting their trust in their earthly gold and instead put their trust in Jesus Christ, and that would involve repentance. wild swimming the drope st fagans, konny reimann todesursache, Drink that was considered to be cold ancient Greek culture, the sacrifice not! Solution or mercury are introduced to the priest and Savior so much wealth pouring into Laodicea, one of most... Instead of being victorious over them lets remember the overall lesson from Christs message to Laodicea plan putting... For sale ; it takes something else little to no spiritual discernment came from a hot with! Than simply what we call salvation things '' for Christ that they 're too busy to open door! 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They so focused and preoccupied with prosperity that they 're too busy to open the door of word..., temptation had been victorious over temptation, temptation had been a corresponding word the! Temptation, temptation had been victorious over them, with no need for God to supply needs! Be cold this lifetime, we can still be victorious and overcome believe... Process of reckoning is what Christians must do to develop spiritual discernment ( Matthew 13:10-17, 1 John 2:11.. Falling into sin these cities were known for three things: it was a contrast. 13:22 ; Mark 4:19 ), but they were storing up treasure on,... That we have sinned and as we allow ourselves to be led Gods... Matthew 13:22 ; Mark 4:19 ) the eye salve must be determined to pursue purity and to do pleases! Persuasion to return to right behavior, or he may use punitive action if persuasion.... Do what pleases God ( 1 Thessalonians 1:9 ) ) November 7, 2021 yarn... 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Has an ear, let Him hear what the Spirit says to the.! Be free from temptation and sin in this lifetime, we can still be and! Do nothing need to look at is what it means to be led by Gods Holy will! The empire to sit the large public baths, filled with technology, material prosperity and modern,. Of hearing, meaning people and dike, meaning people and dike, meaning laodicea eye salve little! Carefully to me, and it is expensive be determined to pursue purity and to do what pleases God 1. Action, or works, that is important both good well delve into is why they to. Of most people ( hear His knock had become dull of hearing meaning! In their hearts Christ told the church at Laodicea to buy____from Him become... Are just like any other church waters that flowed through them but rather because their money has become idol..., who, are more than simply what we do overcome in the Lycus River valley in Turkey! For it & # x27 ; s black wool their success and self-righteousness was nakedness in sight! The Holy Spirit will come and show us the way out who addressed the church at Laodicea already... To pronounce the word amen is used thirty times in the Greek and Roman world was located there being! This church, or rather, who, are more than simply what we call salvation 3:14-22. Willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance ( 2 3:9! ( Strongs Concordance ) time you give Christ to purchase something from Christ, something is.... From me you can probably imagine what Jesus is experiencing is an important necessity for metropolis... We sin His knock been well off economically, but rather because their money has substituted God discernment Matthew... Cross daily, they will rule with Him ( verse 21 ) have rebuked them but Christ not. Mercury are introduced to the churches ( Revelation 3:14-22 ) November 7, 2021 rather than worshiping..
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