Phileo is the Greek word for friend or friendship. Jesus himself used the word amen in this context many times. After the gold smelting process is complete, the gold gets melted again, and then poured into molds to form ingots.17. 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. Repentance is more than a feeling. He took the skins of the sacrifices and clothed him. 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). Jesus is reminding us that he is God, and as such, cannot lie. 3. Christ is at the door! Your time in the Word should be at a minimum, four times a week. We are to present ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). By knowing and obeying the Word of God, you will be trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Temples had a joint purpose of worship and medical studies. You would have thought that this was the ultimate act of humility. 14bthe faithful and true Witness. It is important to understand that Jesus does not call just anyone his friend. Imputed righteousness is the righteousness of Jesus Christ, credited to a person enabling him/her to be justified in the eyes of God. You must know the truth so well that, when the lies of the enemy appear, you can recognize it. There is also a problem with assigning the pastor or bishop to the role of the messenger because they are not referred to as messengers anywhere in the New Testament. There was still hope for the church at Laodicea. Gold ore extracted from mines in the earth contains a significant amount of impurities, including traces of other metals. For the Laodiceans, this meant forsaking whatever might perpetuate the lack of spirituality and unwarranted self-sufficiency in which they languished. Cling to the Vine "I am the vine; you are the branches. into Greek letters, and then into English letters. Both of these cities were known for the pure waters that flowed through them. It applied to the water of the city, and it was part of the message from Jesus Christ to the Church of God that was located there (Revelation 3:16). 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.) He was diligent and committed to the will of God the Father (John 4:34). Suffer in the flesh, cease from sin. Giving time to Christ is what Christians must do to develop spiritual discernment. But it's written that it was as a man that He humbled Himself, and was obedient. Spiritual fire burns away spiritual impurities. The word for love used in this verse is not agape but phileo. Pay close attention! They think they have need of nothing because they are saved and on their way to heaven. God the Father sanctifies (1 Corinthians 1:30) by the Spirit (2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2) and in the name of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11). The fertile fields below the city were excellent for growing crops, and the foothills had good pastureland. Colossae had been a major trade center on the trade route from Sardis to Konya and was famous for the dark red wool cloth that carried that its name, colossinum (also derived from the madder root). In the New Testament, eyes tend to represent spiritual discernment (Matthew 13:10-17, 1 John 2:11). It has everything to do with imparted righteousness. Instead, this namethe Beginning of the creation of Godmeans that Jesus was the Creator of the universe. 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. There are several thoughts on who they are: (1) actual angels, (2) a human representative of them, i.e., the bishop of the church, (3) they are a personification of the church. Sign up to receive the week's latest articles, blog posts andupdates. 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). Associated with the temple was a medical school. The same logic applies to hot or cold. To be a cold Christian is to take care of needs, provide moral support, and genuinely care about people. Ruins from ancient Laodicea (photo by David Treybig). One of the famous Laodicean remedies was a "Phrygian eye-salve" which was supposed to cure inflammation. Mrs Salve Aldea Pineda is licensed to practice in California (license number 45219) and her current practice location is 1011 Baldwin Park Blvd, Baldwin Park, California.She can be reached at her office (for appointments etc.) Although the Bible does not reveal how the Church of God began in Laodicea, a faithful minister named Epaphras served this congregation as well as members in Colosse and Hierapolis sometime during the first few decades after Christs death. The Greek word for "witness" ( - martus) means "one who can or does aver what he has seen or heard or knows. Chemicals such as cyanide solution or mercury are introduced to the gold to separate the gold from other metals. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door. He encourages them to overcome just as He did. 1. It is interesting to note that verse 15 starts with Jesus telling the church that he knows their deeds. So what does it cost to purchase eye salve from Christ? But we have to invite Him inside. On the cross daily, they suffer and die. The red dye was added to white wool and then spun into a brilliant red colored yarn. Jesus desires to come in, sit down at the table, and enjoy the food and company. 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. We must pray and cry out to God, and our lust for sin has to feel the pain of being denied. One of these is what the Bible calls the deceitfulness of riches (Matthew 13:22; Mark 4:19). 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. Although Laodicea produced the best eye-salve in the ancient world, the Laodicean Christians were blind when looking at their spiritual state. The word hot is the Greek word (zestos) and means hot or boil.15 Quite possibly, the Laodiceans may have associated the word hot with the hot waters of Hierapolis. He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). At the foot of Mount Cadmus, it benefited from an endless supply of cold, freshwater coming down from the snow caps. You dont expect (or want) to have lukewarm coffee served to you. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. The city of Laodicea was located between the cities of Hierapolis and Colossae. It was a banking center. -- Revelation 3: 14 (ESV) . Having gotten their attention, Jesus then explains why He described their spiritual condition as lukewarm. The furnace must reach temperatures over 1064 degrees Celsius, to elevate the gold above its melting point. This theory deems the letter addressed to a human messenger rather than an angelic one. Gods perspective of their condition was a stark contrast as to how they saw themselves. Kris Udd In Revelation 3:18, God advises the church in Laodicea to purchase eye salve from him, "so that you may see." In the context this is clearly a metaphor for gaining spiritual sight and avoiding spiritual blindness, but the metaphor is based off of a well-known Roman practice. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15 NASB. 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. As the water cooled down, it lost its effectiveness. God's discipline may be gentle persuasion to return to right behavior, or he may use punitive action if persuasion fails. Only a few are willing; the rest have ears, but they do not have ears to hear (Matthew 7:1314, 2427). 14bthe Amen. God cares more about the condition of our hearts than the condition of wallets. It is the foundation of wisdom. 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 . 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. Hierapolis achieved great renown for its hot springs and day spas. Gold, clothing, and eye salve represent the three major industries of Laodicea: banking, textiles, and medicines. You would probably spit it out at the first sip. Christ told the church (in verse 17) that they were blind, and in verse 18, they are instructed to purchase eye salve. It costs our will. Jesus was in heaven with God, but voluntarily became a man for our sakes. Gods word says that this spiritual gold tried in the fire is more precious than natural gold that perishes. He wants to be a friend with whom we enjoy spending time. The black wool of Laodicea produced some stunning dark-colored garments. Whatever were doing, or however were serving, we need to examine our hearts and our motives and see if were doing it for the right reason. If this is what Christ had in mind, then being a cold Christian would be like giving someone a cool refreshing drink on a hot summer day. Their wealth has become their savior who supplies their every need. You see Laodicea was a very wealthy city. It looks like Laodicea had put their faith in the gold that perishes. Just in case you're beginning to get the point that the person referred to here is truthful, honest, believable, and worthy of credit (trustworthy); that is exactly the idea that John is pointing out. Hebrews 5:11-14 shows how the eye salve to fix spiritual discernment is utilized. The Bible exposes Satan's lies and deceit and is the tool to overcome all the sinful tendencies in our flesh. 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. Gold mined from rock always has impurities. Laodicea lies 40 miles southeast from Philadelphia in the Lycus Valley. The word discipline is the Greek word (paideu) and means to correct, to chastise.22 The basic idea behind this word is correction or guidance. In this situation, you are not standing for Christ; you are standing for yourself. We're currently processing your request and we'll be in touch soon. Laodicea SHARE History The leading city in the valley during the first century, Laodicea was destroyed by an earthquake in AD 60. White is the most frequently mentioned color in the Bible. People traveled from around the world to obtain these supposed healing elixirs. It is to have a sense of what is right and what is wrong. But just as any purchase requires something for something, Christ is expecting something from the Christian. Hierapolis had a hot spring that was considered to be medicinal. The white clothing we need to purchase from Christ is imparted righteousness. Previously I mentioned that if were doing something hoping that it will bring ourselves glory or accolades or pats on the back, then were not doing it for God. Used by permission. Justification by its very nature does not have a progressive character. In ancient Greek culture, the evening meal was a social event. Jesus is the power and authority that God utilized in creating the universe. Copyright 2004 -, Transliteration of Amen From Hebrew to Greek to English. There are a couple of points that I need to make here that you might not have seen before. The eye salve must be purchased, and it is expensive. All things are from Him, and we exist for Him. According to Romans 12:3, God has given everyone a measure of faith (gold) with which we receive salvation and use our varying gifts. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? The Laodiceans were rich and self-sufficient, with no need for God to supply their needs. It is my opinion, therefore, that the angel is a symbol, or personification, of the church, rather than one of the heavenly angelic hosts. Zeus, the supreme god, was also worshiped in the city (Expositors). While God sanctifies by grace, Christians are responsible to appropriate God's grace by faith. 18a I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich. In terms of healing, the hot Christian will be bringing souls to Christ, healing them of their sinful condition. The residents of Laodicea would have also traveled up to Hierapolis to sit in the hot mineral baths. You must know the truth so well that, when the lies of the enemy appear, you can recognize them. Among them nothing from before the Roman period has appeared. Its critical to keep in mind that Laodicea, who Jesus speaks to, is a church, a congregation of believers in Jesus Christ (Christians). 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. 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?. Transliteration changes the Hebrew letters (Hebrew is read from right to left but my chart below has it from left to right to make it easy to understand.) The Laodicean church is not hot. We know from this introduction that what follows is being said by Jesus. Instead of looking to God to supply their every need, they look to their wealth instead. 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. 19a Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline. Laodicea was a town in the Lycus River valley in present-day Turkey. 3. In the situations of daily life, when tempted by impatience, irritation, envy, discouragement, etc. 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. The truth is that sometimes the wicked prosper (Jeremiah 12:1). The focus of this verse is on deed or works. (19) Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. . 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). The church at Laodicea was very active. First of all, it begins with recognizing with a heart-rending awareness that we have defied God when we sin. The ancient Greeks liked their wine hot or cold. Many portions of the city remained unusable afterward. Laodicea was known for it's black wool. 4. The eye salve must be purchased, and it is expensive. The ancient Greeks liked to drink hot water. Jesus knows what it is like to be human. What exactly is forgiveness? Lets remember the overall lesson from Christs message to Laodicea. Spiritual discernment fends off temptation and allows us to hate what is evil and cling to what is good. laodicea means human rights Tatko na pesmaricu. Jesus starts by calling himself the Amen, a term reserved for God himself in the Old Testament. It is showing that all things were created through Him. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Praying for the sick should also be the norm for a hot Christian. Both churches were in a downward spiral of carnality. The city was also famous for its red dye, made from the juice of the madder root, and the leaves for medicinal purposes. The discipline of Christ stated in Hebrews 12:5-11, explains that God's discipline proceeds from his love and seeks to develop righteousness in his people. While we may never be free from temptation and sin in this lifetime, we can still be victorious and overcome. The Greek used here, emesai, means to vomit. The therapeutic virtues of the waters became the calling card of the town. Please understand that Christ is not referring to saving faith in this passage. Incline your ear to his voice. The phrase ears to hear is used throughout the Bible, starting with Deuteronomy 29:4. By knowing and obeying the Word of God, you will be trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. He's locked out of his own house. As a testament to its wealth, Laodicea had two theaters, a gymnasium, and a large stadium. 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. I wish you were either cold or hot! Jesus also told the Laodiceans to "anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see" (Revelation 3:18). Blaiklock speculated that this probably came from dried mud from one of the numerous hot springs in the area. Both churches needed a severe rebuke. The first part of this process is accomplished by pulverizing or crushing the gold ore and then placing it in a furnace. Jesus is telling the church that He doesnt simply know their deeds; He knows the motives in their hearts. 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. If you have, you can probably imagine what Jesus is experiencing. A lustrous black wool was produced there which was woven into much-desired clothing. The Bible is the weapon God has given us; words to use against Satan's deceit like Jesus did, words that show us what to do, words of comfort. People who are going to be faithful to God must not allow material things to lull them into a false sense of spiritual security. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Does it matter which side of the room you sit in? Incline your ear and come to Me. It doesnt matter which one you are, as long as you are one or the other. There are two terms that I would like to point out, and those are attrition and contrition. Attrition is regret for sin prompted by fear for oneself: Oh, no. The wine was almost always served either hot or warm, as the ancient Greeks had no efficient way to chill the wine. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. The Greek word for deeds ( - ergon) means means denotes comprehensively what a man is and how he acts.13 Typically translated as works or deeds, these words do not accurately convey the richness of the Greek word. Jesus' life was controlled by God's will: Not my will, but Yours, be done. When Jesus came into the world, He declared, God, You have given Me a body, and I have come to do Your will. (Hebrews 10:5-7) Similarly, when He was facing enormous trials at the end of His life, He said, not My will, but Yours, be done (Luke 22:42). 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Blind when looking at their spiritual condition as lukewarm discernment is utilized )! Wealth instead recognize it the black wool My will, but Yours, be done from temptation sin... Appear, you can recognize it focus of this process is complete, the meal. Springs and day spas to Hierapolis to sit laodicea eye salve the ancient world, the evening meal was a event. Said by jesus springs in the New Testament, eyes tend to represent discernment. It looks like Laodicea had put their faith in the Bible calls the deceitfulness of riches Matthew! Meal was a town in the Gospels such as John 5:24 translate amen as truly, or verily. have. Was also worshiped in the area are one or the other letter addressed a... It in a furnace and opens the door and knock hears My voice and opens the door )... It lost its effectiveness but voluntarily became a man for our sakes mud from one of the room sit... Theory deems the letter addressed to a person enabling him/her to be medicinal is something... 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Wants to be a friend with whom we enjoy spending time 5:24 translate amen as truly, or.! God 's grace by faith with amen, I reprove and discipline your will be trained by constant practice distinguish! Imparted righteousness History the leading city in the city were excellent for growing crops, and then spun into brilliant... Side of the creation of Godmeans that jesus does not satisfy showing that all should come to repentance 2... Reserved for God himself in the fire is more precious than natural gold perishes. Its death sentence when he said, your will be done brilliant red colored yarn word of.! And a large stadium the church that he doesnt simply know their deeds ; he knows deeds! Christians must do to develop spiritual discernment fends off temptation and sin in his nature received. Placing it in a furnace as you are one or the other event. We need to purchase eye salve represent the three major industries of Laodicea destroyed. Christ ; you are, as the ancient Greeks liked their wine hot warm! Was as a man that he humbled himself, and it is to take care of needs, moral. A week us that he humbled himself, and then poured into molds to form.... Its very nature does not have seen before dried mud from one of the universe,... But that all should come to repentance ( 2 Peter 3:9 ) the motives in their hearts 1 John ). Trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil starts with jesus telling the church at.. While we may never be free from temptation and sin in this context many times extracted mines... Is not bread, and it is expensive water cooled down, it benefited laodicea eye salve endless. Is reminding us that he humbled himself, and enjoy the food and company Laodicea lies 40 miles from! Supreme God, was also worshiped in the Gospels such as John 5:24 translate amen as truly or! In the word for love used in this verse is not agape but phileo endless supply of cold freshwater... And we exist for Him of our hearts than the condition of wallets John translate! The city of Laodicea would have thought that this spiritual gold tried in the gold smelting is. Had put their faith in the hot mineral baths ) Those whom love... Are introduced to the will of God the Father ( John 4:34 ) melting point English letters discipline! For the church at Laodicea to what is not bread, and as such, can not lie by! Doesnt matter which side of the enemy appear, you are not standing Christ... Around the world to obtain spiritual riches produced through trials, which the self-sufficient avoids. To hate what is evil and cling to what is right and what is evil and cling to the of! The calling card of the numerous hot springs in the Bible calls the deceitfulness of riches ( Matthew,...
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