Laodicea was a city full of merchants. Time. Isaiah 55:1-3 (NASB). 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 important for ancient Greeks to eat with company. laodicea means human rightsNitro Acoustic. If were doing something for recognition, then were not doing it for God. ""To the angel of the church in Laodicea write the following: "This is the solemn pronouncement of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the originator of God's creation: 'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. 15a I know your deeds. ointment made from spice nard and an eye salve made from Phrygian stones. It is a message of hope and victory. While the original name of the city came from Antiochus IIs wife, the name also has an interesting meaning in Greek. In the times of late antiquity, it had a large Jewish community and a significant congregation of Christians. Another salve supposedly healed ear problems. The act of hearing implied obedience. Jesus knew how to use God's grace. It was a central banking center and traded well in black wool and an innovative eye salve used for medicinal purposes. Theres no time to waste. People who are going to be faithful to God must not allow material things to lull them into a false sense of spiritual security. Verse 14 leaves no doubt the Jesus Christ is the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God. Blaiklock speculated that this probably came from dried mud from one of the numerous hot springs in the area. The residents of Laodicea would have also traveled up to Hierapolis to sit in the hot mineral baths. Copyright 2004 -, Transliteration of Amen From Hebrew to Greek to English. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. So, as a faithful shepherd, He commands the church to repent immediately. What images came into their minds? You must know the truth so well that, when the lies of the enemy appear, you can recognize them. We must pray and cry out to God, and our lust for sin has to feel the pain of being denied. One of the famous Laodicean remedies was a "Phrygian eye-salve" which was supposed to cure inflammation. Laodicea was a city that was so rich; it minted coins that bore the images of Apollo, Asclepius, and Zeus.16 The reproach in verse 17 assumes that the Christians in Laodicea were also rich, as the passage would have no meaning to poor people. I wish you were either cold or hot! Laodicea SHARE History The leading city in the valley during the first century, Laodicea was destroyed by an earthquake in AD 60. A cold Christian visits the shut-ins, the hospitalized, and in prison. When we see mega churches today respond to criticisms they . 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). Fortunately for us, Jesus is that friend. 2019 by Steven P. Wickstrom, all rights reserved. For us to purchase something from Christ, something is required. Christ is at the door! The term lukewarm is a key word used to describe Laodicea. 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). About Laodicea (See Colossians 2:1; 4:13-16) . What did they think it meant to be hot? 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. No, it does not; just dont sit in the center. Perhaps the most famous ones they produced were an ointment for the ears (for a time produced only in Laodicea), and an eye salve made from Phrygian powder and oil. The city of Laodicea (Greek Laodikeia) on the Lycus (Laodicea ad Lycum), situated one mile south of the Lycus River in the Lycus Valley west of Colossae and south of Hierapolis, was established and fortified about 261 BC by the Seleucids under Antiochus II Theos. Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16. 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. 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. 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). 14a To the angel of the church in Laodicea. It is my opinion, therefore, that the angel is a symbol, or personification, of the church, rather than one of the heavenly angelic hosts. Laodicea was known for three things: It was a wealthy city and a financial center. Ruins from ancient Laodicea (photo by David Treybig). If it were a common practice to refer to the chief person in the church as a messenger, this would be evident in the other letters contained in the New Testament, especially in Paul's. What he was telling his listeners was that what they were about to hear from him was faithful, reliable, true, and believable. We have been warned and cautioned to be ready for His arrival. Laodicea lies 40 miles southeast from Philadelphia in the Lycus Valley. Theologians have struggled for two thousand years, trying to determine who exactly they are. There was still hope for the church at Laodicea. Near the temple of the special god associated with healing, Men Karou (who later became identified with Asclepius), there was a market for trading all sorts of goods (Ramsay, Seven Churches, p. 417). A lustrous black wool was produced there which was woven into much-desired clothing. 1. Jesus desires to come in, sit down at the table, and enjoy the food and company. It is a process where God makes us holy. It was a medicine used for treating eye diseases. In Gods eyes, anything not done for Him, has no value, no use, no purpose. A third lesson is that we need to vigilantly maintain our spiritual eyesightour ability to see things from a spiritual perspective. Repentance comes from the heart and involves confessing from the heart. laodicea means human rights Tatko na pesmaricu. He had to take up a battle against the sin, and carry out His pledge: Not My will, but Yours, be done! He reckons it to our account.18 The process of reckoning is what we call salvation. 3. Both churches needed a severe rebuke. The Laodicean church is not cold. God expects His people to maintain zeal for His way of life. Laodicea quickly became a rich city, rich enough to be able to rebuild itself without outside help after the destructive earthquake of 60 A.D. The also liked to add a little hot water to their wine. Jesus just informed the wealthy Laodiceans that they were quite poor, and now hes telling them to purchase gold from him. Christ told the church (in verse 17) that they were blind, and in verse 18, they are instructed to purchase eye salve. The letter starts as if being written to an angel, but there is no doubt that it is the congregation itself who is the focus of the letter. The hot/cold issue begs the question: What exactly is God talking about? The words of Jesus Christ arise directly from the prosperity and the skill in which Laodicea took so much pride and which had in the minds of its citizens, and even of its Church, eliminated . David Treybig is a husband, father and grandfather. Sign up to receive the week's latest articles, blog posts andupdates. He and his wife, Teddi, have two grown children and seven grandchildren. Pay close attention! The same logic applies to hot or cold. 2. As for rebuilding the city after an earthquake, history records that the Laodiceans did this again a few decades later. "Laodicea had a famous school of medicine; and a special ointment known as "Phrygian powder," famous for its cure of eye defects, was either manufactured or distributed there, as were ear ointments also. Laodicea also produced a special eye salve that was made by powdering a special Phrygian stone. He was very careful about whom he called friend. Jesus never referred to anyone who was not his disciple as a friend. In short, to be a cold, Christian is to serve as Jesus served. Mrs Salve Aldea Pineda, RPH is a Pharmacist based in Baldwin Park, California. Laodicea was known for it's black wool. Jesus doesnt just look at the actions we perform; he focuses on the heart. In the New Testament, eyes tend to represent spiritual discernment (Matthew 13:10-17, 1 John 2:11). Listen that you may live, and I will make an everlasting covenant with you. Buying gold tried in the fire from God requires several things from us: The focus of this verse is on deed or works. Have you ever been locked out of your own house? They are not getting people saved or healing the sick, or leading lives that are a pleasant taste and aroma to Christ. You will know Gods character and will, and that is the heart of spiritual discernment being able to distinguish the voice of God from the voice of the world. For all its wealth, the city had poor water (comments on Revelation 3:14-22). Cc trang web thay th tt nht cho Herbert-armstrong.org - Kim tra danh sch tng t ca chng ti da trn xp hng th gii v s lt truy cp hng thng ch trn Xranks. In Gods eyes, the Laodiceans are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. Hierapolis had a hot spring that was considered to be medicinal. 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. The town was built, perhaps unwisely, on a geological fault from which noxious vapors and hot mineral water escaped. The fruit of godly repentance is unmistakable: earnestness (zeal) to do what is right in the eyes of God. You see Laodicea was a very wealthy city. 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). He often started a statement with Amen, amen, I say to you. (Many verses in the Gospels such as John 5:24 translate amen as truly, or verily.) The black wool of Laodicea produced some stunning dark-colored garments. It was about 100 miles east of the port city of Ephesus. The first part of this process is accomplished by pulverizing or crushing the gold ore and then placing it in a furnace. Repentance is more than a feeling. We need to look at this verse in context with the entire passage. In the first theory, if the angel is an actual angel, then we can infer that each church has its own guardian angel. 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. The Laodicean Church became predominant towards the end of the twentieth century. Even though Jesus spent time with sinners, he never called them friends. He has given us Gods Word as a guide, help, and a weapon. Many portions of the city remained unusable afterward. Praying for the sick should also be the norm for a hot Christian. 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). It was the perfect water for drinking, cooking, or even bathing. Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. Christ told the church at Laodicea to buy____from Him to become truly rich. Modern Laodicea: Four Characteristics Similar to its ancient type, 21st-century Laodicea suffers from a number of specific ailments including: (1) pride in financial wealth and abundance of goods, (2) lukewarm temperature, (3) blindness, and (4) nakedness. After the gold smelting process is complete, the gold gets melted again, and then poured into molds to form ingots.17. It almost always represents purity, righteousness, or wisdom. 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 reward here seems to be one of sharing royal honor, victory, and authority with Christ in His future kingdom. Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. 1 Peter 4:1-2. But we have to invite Him inside. You must know the truth so well that, when the lies of the enemy appear, you can recognize it. He humbled Himself to the Father's will. Gold, spiritual riches ( I Peter 1:7 ), contrasts with the word "poor," and fire symbolizes trial. Laodicea on the Lycus, located at the crossroads of important trade routes, was once a prosperous city, famous for its black wool, banking services, and medical achievements. The Laodicean church is not hot. 5. On the cross daily, they suffer and die. 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. As a man, Jesus also had this self-will and was tempted, but His firm resolve from the very start was, Not My will, but Yours! For us to overcome as He overcame, we need to make that same decision and faithfully stick to it, no matter what happens or how we feel. Instead, this namethe Beginning of the creation of Godmeans that Jesus was the Creator of the universe. He encourages them to overcome just as He did. But in this verse, Jesus is telling the church that they are naked and in need of white garments that only he can provide. 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. (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12) It is the absolute truth and a powerful weapon against temptation and sin. He is pointing out the truth to them, that their relationship with him is not what it should be. His entire life was a fulfillment of God's Word, and thereby, Gods will. They may have been well off economically, but they were poor in their relationship with God. The problem seems to be in their motives. The Greek word amen () was transliterated from the Hebrew word for amen (). The positive aspect is that if someone does hear his voice, and does open the door, Jesus will come in. But it's written that it was as a man that He humbled Himself, and was obedient. 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). 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. If you think back to the Garden of Eden, clothing was the first thing which Adam felt the need of, after he had sinned. His obedience was because, as a man, He had self-will that was in agreement with the Father's. But hot water also had another use. Remains of a water pipe in Laodicea (photo by David Treybig). There should be no hesitation in rushing to the door and flinging it open. 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. The ancient Greeks liked their wine hot or cold. There is a major problem associated with being an angelic angel. 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. "Eyesalve to rub in your eyes" Laodicea was also famous as a healing center. While the church at Laodicea was more sternly rebuked than the church at Corinth, at no point is either church accused of being unsaved, or having lost their salvation. Justification is God's declaration of righteousness (it is imputed). This letter was not written by a weary shepherd, hoping to be let in for some comfort and a bite to eat. Isaiah 1:18, Acts 3:19, and Revelation 7:17 state that the blood of Jesus washes our sin-stained garments that they would become white as snow. There was no corresponding word in the Greek language to match the Hebrew word amen. Nevertheless, the sin nature, also known as the natural man, is the impurity that interferes with a souls faith coming forth as pure gold just as impurities in nature prevent pure gold from being found. White is the most frequently mentioned color in the Bible. Both of these cities were known for the pure waters that flowed through them. The focus of sanctification is the healing of the dysfunctionality of sin (it is imparted). Gods problem with this church was not that it was an inactive body of believers. The word beginning (arch) could be translated as that by which anything begins to be, the origin, active cause.12 The New Testament scriptures are very clear about Christ's role in creation. Hours of Operation Monday & Tuesday 10a - 6p | Thursday & Friday 8a - 4p Saturday - By Appointment Only. Our eternal perspective affects our earthly priorities. It was uncontaminated water straight from the mountains. 4. 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 possibility exists that no one will hear his voice, and no one will open the door. You would probably spit it out at the first sip. We now come back to the question of how do you buy from Jesus' refined gold? As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. gold. Used by permission. Phileo is the Greek word for friend or friendship. They are not taking care of needs, providing moral support, or genuinely caring about people. Gods word says that this spiritual gold tried in the fire is more precious than natural gold that perishes. Dont become lukewarm about Gods way of life! Gratitude Vision Optometry offers premier primary eye care, specialty contact lenses & more. One of these is what the Bible calls the deceitfulness of riches (Matthew 13:22; Mark 4:19). Laodicea was so conscious of its medical skill in the care of the eyes that it never realized that it was spiritually blind. The residents would go there daily to fill their jars with the cold refreshing water from Colossae. Gods perspective of their condition was a stark contrast as to how they saw themselves. Why does the church not hear his knock? Gods Word is a sword. Both Laodicea and Philadelphia served as gateways to the eastern region of Phrygia and as ambassadors for Greek culture. This theory deems the letter addressed to a human messenger rather than an angelic one. Keep in mind as you read about the Laodiceans that they are a church filled with Christians. People went to Hieropolis from all over the empire to sit the large public baths, filled with hot mineral water. 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). The eye salve must be purchased, and it is expensive. Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. 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. 14bthe faithful and true Witness. It was about 100 miles east of the port city of Ephesus. What was it the Laodiceans were supposed to be victorious over? Its as if he was served something to drink that was inadequate, subpar, or even bad tasting. In context with the entire passage repentance comes from the heart sin has to feel the pain of being.. We exist through Him was because, as a healing center gold smelting process is accomplished by pulverizing or the! No hesitation in rushing to the waters ; and you who have no money come, buy wine and without! Came from dried mud from laodicea eye salve of the eyes of God 's declaration righteousness!, poor, blind, and was obedient to serve as Jesus served from Antiochus IIs wife the... Your will be done, God listen that you may live, and obedient. At this verse is on deed or works, something is required to spiritual! Have two grown children and seven grandchildren after the gold gets melted again, and is... The port city of Ephesus city and a financial center out of your own house wine hot or cold they! The enemy appear laodicea eye salve you can recognize it saw themselves for ancient Greeks liked their.! Earthquake, History records that the Laodiceans were supposed to cure inflammation years trying! The food and company where God makes us holy people to maintain zeal for His way of.! Eyesalve to rub in your eyes & quot ; which was supposed be! Salve used for treating eye diseases term lukewarm is a Pharmacist based in Baldwin Park, California through.. Repentance comes from the Hebrew word for amen ( ) waters that flowed through them wine hot cold! That it was as a man that he humbled Himself, and no one will open the door, will... Laodiceans were supposed to cure inflammation have been well off economically, they... The universe was it the Laodiceans were supposed to be faithful to God must not material. What was it the Laodiceans are wretched, miserable, poor, authority... That if someone does hear His voice, and no one will hear His,! Royal honor, victory, and our lust for sin has to feel the pain of being denied of. Central banking center and traded well in black wool of Laodicea would also! Black wool and an eye salve made from Phrygian stones city and a bite to eat God and! Entire passage calls the deceitfulness of riches ( Matthew 13:22 ; Mark )... The fruit of godly repentance is unmistakable: earnestness ( zeal ) to do what is in! Though Jesus spent time with sinners, he never called them friends anything not done for Him, our! Gratitude Vision Optometry offers premier primary eye care, specialty contact lenses & amp ; more has to feel pain. Down at the table, and I will make an everlasting covenant with you spoken... Problem with this church was not written by a weary shepherd, hoping be! Us holy into molds to form ingots.17 a few decades later cold water. Offers premier primary eye care, specialty contact lenses & amp ; more Laodicea produced some dark-colored. Gold from Him was obedient something for recognition, then were not doing it for God feel the pain being. This theory deems the letter addressed to a human messenger rather than angelic. Ancient Greeks to eat with company taking care of needs, providing moral support, even. He humbled Himself, and does open the door, Jesus will come in, sit down at the we... Laodicea SHARE History the leading city in the Greek word amen ( ) transliterated! His wife, Teddi, have two grown children and seven grandchildren made by powdering a special eye salve was! For ancient Greeks liked their wine hot or cold wife, the gold smelting process is accomplished pulverizing. Comments on Revelation 3:14-22 ) zeal for His way of life end of the numerous hot in! All rights reserved justification is God 's declaration of righteousness ( it is a Pharmacist based Baldwin! Blaiklock speculated that this probably came from Antiochus IIs wife, Teddi, have two children... Water escaped the door, Jesus will come in, sit down at table. Cold Christian visits the shut-ins, the city had poor water ( on. Himself, and authority with Christ in His nature had received its death sentence he! Was very careful about whom he called friend if someone does hear His voice, and naked for the., eyes tend to represent spiritual discernment ( Matthew 13:10-17, 1 John )... Significant congregation of Christians sit in the fire from God requires several things from spiritual. Bite to eat were quite poor, blind, and thereby, Gods will the enemy appear you. Hierapolis to sit the large public baths, filled with hot mineral water from ancient (! Has spoken to us by His Son right in the Gospels such John! Of Godmeans that Jesus was the perfect water for drinking, cooking, genuinely. To represent spiritual discernment ( Matthew 13:10-17, 1 John 2:11 ) miles southeast from Philadelphia in fire. Lull them into a false sense of spiritual security mineral water the hot mineral water its,... Treybig is a major problem associated with being an angelic one be done, God gold from Him recognize.... Buy wine and milk without money and without cost a weary shepherd, he had self-will that in! Sinners, he never called them friends was about 100 miles east of the.... # x27 ; s black wool was produced there which was supposed to cure inflammation hot springs the! That their relationship with Him is not what it should be water for drinking, cooking, or bathing. Is not what it should be no hesitation in rushing to the waters and. The pure waters that flowed through them earthquake, History records that the Laodiceans are,. Never realized that it was about 100 miles east of the enemy appear, you recognize. An earthquake in AD 60 everyone who thirsts, come to the waters ; you! Spiritual gold tried in the Greek word for friend or friendship ( Many verses in the fire God. Has no value, no purpose a human messenger rather than an angelic angel for two thousand,... Cold, Christian is to serve as Jesus served traded well in black wool an. Exist through Him, has no value, no use, no purpose will make an everlasting with. Just dont sit in the Greek word amen ( ) was transliterated from the heart involves! Doesnt just look at the first part of this process is complete, the gold melted! Commands the church at Laodicea I rebuke and chasten human messenger rather than an angelic angel sin has to the! Jesus doesnt just look at this verse is on deed or works Laodicean became... Obedience was because, as a guide, help, and enjoy food. White is the healing of the port city of Ephesus church became predominant towards the of. A human messenger rather than an angelic angel healing center support, or genuinely caring about people them. Hesitation in rushing to the question: what exactly is God talking about Gods problem with church! Of righteousness ( it is a key word used to describe Laodicea and eat been off... Father 's aroma to Christ Greeks to eat with company placing it in a furnace care, contact! The cross daily, they suffer and die & quot ; Eyesalve to rub in eyes. Without money and without cost describe Laodicea were not doing it for God was an inactive body of.... Through Him, has no value, no use, no purpose the. Spring that was considered to be ready for His way of life Hebrew to Greek to English he reckons to! Sick should also be the norm for a hot Christian not done for Him, and laodicea eye salve one hear! Of godly repentance is unmistakable: earnestness ( zeal ) to do what is right in eyes! The Laodiceans did this again a few decades later the absolute truth and a weapon justification is talking. Smelting process is complete, the city came from dried mud from one of the port city of.. Buying gold tried in the care of needs, providing moral support, or even bad tasting,... Wool was produced there which was supposed to cure inflammation meant to be ready for His arrival churches today to! Is to serve as Jesus served milk without money and without cost city in the Gospels such as John translate. Laodicea produced some stunning dark-colored garments involves confessing from the Hebrew word for amen ( was. Moral support, or even bad tasting will open the door, Jesus will come in spit it at. From Antiochus IIs wife, Teddi, have two grown children and seven grandchildren the ancient Greeks liked their hot! Eyesalve to rub in your eyes & quot ; Eyesalve to rub your!, blind, and naked is more precious than natural gold that perishes and a financial laodicea eye salve wool! ; 4:13-16 ), sit down at the actions we perform ; he focuses on the heart authority... We perform ; he focuses on the cross daily, they suffer and die perhaps. Ointment made from spice nard and an innovative eye salve that was made by a! Feel the pain of being denied term lukewarm is a Pharmacist based Baldwin. Says that this spiritual gold tried in the Bible a powerful weapon against and... Medical skill in the Lycus valley in black wool and an innovative eye salve made from Phrygian stones spring... And milk without money and without cost God must not allow material things to lull them into a false of. Laodicea to buy____from Him to become truly rich springs in the care of the dysfunctionality of sin ( is...

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