The Lukewarm Church at Laodicea

Revelation 3:14-22

As we consider the last of the seven churches in Revelation, let’s remember what we have learned so far. Every church received a special introduction from Christ, describing some important facet of his person and character. As our king and Messiah, he has the right to evaluate the spiritual condition of any local church, including these seven. For some, his message was mostly positive because they continued to do right even under terrible pressures. For others, his message was negative because of their lack of obedience to him, which in some cases was especially egregious. To all these imperfect congregations, his promises in the future stand as testaments of his goodness to them.

In Laodicea, we find a church that struggled to be productive for the Lord. The problem was they did not even know it. Have you ever had a problem that you did not know about until someone told you? If you have taken a public speaking class, you may have experienced this. In this class, you give speeches of various kinds to your professor and fellows students. The audience gets to critique you on your communication skills. You may find out about your nervous ticks, random hand gestures, and verbal clutter. You would not know about these tendencies until someone told you. Jesus does the same thing for the Laodicean church. Unaware of their spiritual condition, the church is about to get a shocking surprise from their Lord.

Some Background on the City of Laodicea

Laodicea lies 40 miles southeast from Philadelphia in the Lycus Valley. It was part of a long trade route that included the four previous cities to the north. Both Laodicea and Philadelphia served as gateways to the eastern region of Phrygia and as ambassadors for Greek culture. While Philadelphia was successful in this regard, Laodicea failed to do this as evidenced by the continued usage of the native language in their area instead of Greek.

Paul’s Interaction with the Church

Laodicea was the last of the seven cities to which John wrote this book. One of its sister cities included Colossae, to which Paul wrote a letter during his first Roman imprisonment. In Colossians, we discover that he also wrote a letter to Laodicea. He asked that these two cities exchange their letters and read them in their respective churches (Col 4:16). This means that the Laodicean church had the book of Colossians read to them and were familiar with its teaching. Paul’s Laodicean letter, however, is lost to history, although some speculate that this letter and the book of Ephesians are the same.

Some Unique Geography

From a military standpoint, Laodicea had an excellent advantage as a city nestled in the mountains. However, its greatest weakness was its dependence on an outsourced water supply. The city was not established with a sufficient water supply for a large city. As such, they needed water transported in through aqueducts from a spring six miles away. This presented a problem not only because of the potential for the spring to dry up but also because an enemy could discover the underground aqueducts and cut off their supply.

A Prosperous Economy

Laodicea was known in the region for its economic prosperity, especially its bustling wool industry. The sheep who grazed in the fertile Lycus Valley produced beautiful black wool that rivaled its competitors from other cities. Laodicea enjoyed an increasingly wealthy status in the area. Even after suffering from a devastating earthquake, the city picked itself back up without the help of the empire. Many of the wealthy citizens contributed their resources to rebuilding efforts, even in neighboring cities.

Religious Influences

Before the infiltration of Greco-Roman culture, the region’s inhabitants worshipped the “god of the valley,” Men Karou. His temple served as the religious center for the region, along with social and administration functions. A famous medical school resided near the temple, about 13 miles away. Laodicean physicians followed the methods of a doctor named Hierophilos, who taught that compound diseases could only be cured with compound treatments. One of these medicinal compounds was known to cure eye diseases when applied to the eyes.

When Greek culture came in, the people practiced syncretism by morphing the practices of their local religion with the worship of the Greek pantheon. The city apparently had a sizeable Jewish presence, first introduced to the area by Antiochus III when he resettled 2,000 Jewish families there. Nonetheless, Jews found a home here and many flourished along with the rest of the city. Laodicea also became a center for the imperial cult, though it seems to have exercised less influence than in the other cities John wrote to.

A Personal Introduction from Christ

Jesus identifies himself as the “Amen,” an unusual title to be sure. Normally, “amen” is a sign of agreement, or an affirmation that God will perform something. In this case, calling Jesus “the Amen” shows he is the pinnacle of truth and trustworthiness. Everything he does is in line with God’s righteous nature, and everything he says can be fully verified. That is why he is the faithful and true witness, a reference to John’s title for Christ in his prologue to the book (Rev 1:5). Jesus provides a consistent and accurate testimony to the Father’s message and character. It seems in his introduction, the Lord wanted to highlight the contrast between his faithful witness and the unfaithful, lukewarm church of Laodicea.

Jesus also labels himself as “the beginning of the creation of God.” This title may trip up many modern believers. Many cults and religions that deny the deity of Christ, like Jehovah’s Witnesses, argue that this passage teaches that Jesus was the first being God created. This is false teaching. Paul tells us that Jesus created everything, both the visible and invisible world (Col 1:16). In his Gospel written many years before Revelation, John argued strongly for the divinity of Jesus and his important role in creation; before him, nothing was made (John 1:1-3). So, to teach this passage as proof that God made Jesus first before he made everything else does not correspond with the teaching of the NT.

What does it mean that Jesus is the beginning of God’s creation? It links closely with Paul’s words in Colossians that Jesus is the “firstborn” over all creation (Col 1:15). “Firstborn” means that Jesus enjoys a privileged position as God’s Son with exclusive rights to rule over creation. This is similar to the rights a firstborn son enjoyed in the ancient world when his father died and handed off the estate to him. Christ has that same privilege. He is the beginning (beginner or originator) of creation. Indeed, another appropriate translation of the Greek word “beginning” is “ruler.”

Interestingly, this title is used by the Colossians because the Laodicean church would have read that letter, including this important teaching from Paul. Many have noted that the spiritual downgrade of this church could perhaps be traced back to their low view of Christ. Like the Colossian church, the Laodicean believers might have convinced themselves that their lack of commitment to Christ was excusable if he really was not all that important. But John, and Paul before him, wanted to remind these Christians of the high authority Jesus holds and the full devotion of their lives that he deserves.

A Negative Assessment of the Church’s Spiritual Condition

They didn’t produce good works.

Unlike Philadelphia and Smyrna to which Christ only gave positive input, he gives a harsh examination of the spiritual state of the Laodicean church. He laces his criticism with rich imagery familiar to the believers of this area. His first concern was that these Christian were neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm. The Lord wished that the believers were either hot or cold, but because they were neither, he would expel them from his mouth.

Many believers have understood this imagery to mean that Christ condemned the spiritual neutrality of the Laodiceans. They remained uncommitted in their identity with Christ, which they assumed to be preferable to outright rebellion and abandonment of their faith. Christ condemns that mindset as worthy of being spit out or vomited out. He would rather that believers faithfully followed him (hot) or totally rejected him (cold) rather than be mediocre Christians (lukewarm).

This view does have some merit, especially considering the imagery of hot and cold. The Greek word for “hot” refers to something that is boiling. In the NT, this word can refer to a believer with a “fervent” (hot, boiling) spirit, clearly meaning someone who is passionately and unreservedly serving the Lord (Acts 18:25; Rom 12:11). The word “cold” is not used in a congruent way in reference to a disobedient Christian, though Christ does teach that in the end times the love of many will grow cold; this is a negative depiction of love (Matt 24:12).

Another way to understand this passage stems from the geographic context of the city. We mentioned already that because there was no convenient water source, Laodicea had to transport their water through aqueducts from springs that were miles away. The two closest were in Hierapolis and Colossae. Hierapolis was known for its hot springs, which people used for healing and medicinal purposes. Colossae possessed cool, pure spring water perfect for drinking. By the time these waters reached Laodicea after several miles traveling in stone pipes, they had lost their desired temperature. They became lukewarm and, thus, useless for either healing or refreshment.

Those who hold to this view interpret the imagery as a condemnation of the useless, ineffective condition of the believers in Laodicea. Rather than being useful, like cold or hot water, they were lukewarm. This could refer to their lack of works in general, though some say it refers primarily to their lack of gospel witness in the community. Either way, Christ could find no suitable purpose these believers were fulfilling. That is repugnant to him because he saved us to do good works, build up his church, and serve in his kingdom.

Which interpretation is in view here? I think the best interpretation considers the clear imagery that Christ invokes from the hot and cold springs surrounding Laodicea. The believers listening to this letter would have acknowledged the uselessness of lukewarm water, even the sickness it often induced. The picture Christ is conveying is unmistakable – the church had not produced any works worthy of the Lord’s affirmation, so he could only condemn their actions (or lack thereof) and spit them out like you would lukewarm, nauseating water.

Many preachers today take the first view that Christ does not want mediocre Christians. He desires either total commitment or outright denial. While Christ certainly desires our full submission to his will in our lives (Rom 12:1-2), it is difficult to imagine that he wants us to abandon him. Surely, that would never be his will. Some have argued that a person who is antagonistic to Christ is more likely to repent someday than a person who is on the fence (i.e. Saul/Paul). However, this argument does not consider that many people are sitting on the fence who have turned to Christ. We just don’t hear about those stories because they are not as dramatic as an outright rebel who repents. The Lord’s burden in this letter is the lack of works evident in the church. They were useless to him, and they were in danger of being spit out.

They were ignorant of their true condition.

The lukewarm state of Laodicea is typically the problem we focus on when examining this letter. But the church had other spiritual issues. Christ quotes what the Christians in Laodicea believed about themselves – “I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing.” Living in a wealthy city with a bustling economy, we can imagine that some of the church members lived affluently. They not only thought of themselves as materially wealthy but also spiritually wealthy. They may have assumed that the high-class life they enjoyed, added to the lack of obvious persecution, indicated God’s favor on them. Worst of all, they assumed they had attained this wealth on their own and didn’t need anything else.

The Lord cuts through this flawed thinking by forcing them to look at his divine mirror, what he really saw in their church – they were wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. These believers maintained such a high positive self-image that they neglected to do any serious examination of their state before the Lord. They were so blinded by their physical riches and comforts that they could not see their spiritual poverty. They remained ignorant of their dire spiritual state and the need for God’s intervention.

Christ not only relieved them of their ignorance, but he offered solutions to their need.His solutions are three-fold, which seem to directly connect to three renowned establishments in the city – the banking industry, the textile industry, and the medical school. In each of these solutions, we will see a different emphasis, but the answer from Christ is essentially the same: “Return to me so you can be spiritually healthy again.”

Jesus counsels believers to come to him to buy three different items. This is ironic since he just quoted them saying they were content and needed nothing. In fact, they did have a desperate need, and Christ alone offered to meet it. He tells them to buy gold refined in the fire. This refers to the highest quality gold with all the dross removed. For citizens in a wealthy city like Laodicea, this imagery was especially poignant. If they wished to get out of spiritual poverty, they needed the refined gold that Christ offered. What the gold represents is up for debate, though gold and riches are often used in the NT to refer to a high quality of faith and service to God (1 Tim 6:18; Jam 2:5; 1 Pet 1:7). This would certainly fit for a church that lacked good works. If the church would be rich in good works, they needed to turn to Christ.

The Lord also tells the believers to purchase white garments so they could be clothed. Laodicea was famous for its wool production, especially for its specialty black wool. In this case, the imagery of white garments is more suitable to John’s recurring theme in Revelation. Nakedness is often used in Scripture to depict the shame of mankind in his sin (cf. Gen 3:6-7; Ezek 16:37-39). Going back to the Garden of Eden, God used clothing to cover that shame (Gen 3:21). Here, Christ offered white garments as an appropriate covering for the shame of these believers who had not served him faithfully. He wants to remove their shame and clothe them in honor once again, but they must return to him.

Finally, Christ tells the church to buy eye salve and apply it to their eyes so they can see. We have noted the medical school near Laodicea, which produced an eye ointment known to cure eye diseases. Similarly, the Lord offers to heal these believers so they can recover from spiritual blindness to their impoverished condition. This, perhaps, was the most needed cure. If the church would not recognize their poor spiritual state and need to change, then there was no hope for them. But to see the gravity of their need as Christ saw it would allow them to see other blind spots they could work on.

They needed to repent.

After Christ summarizes all the spiritual challenges facing this congregation, he shows them the practical step they needed to take. Obviously, they did not need to go out and buy gold, white robes, and eye salve. He uses these images to draw them to the real answer – be zealous and repent.

He first reminds them of an important aspect of his nature – those he loves he corrects and punishes. To the world, this seems cruel and unfair. But in the eyes of Scripture, God’s consistency to deal with our disobedience through correction and judgment is one way he displays his love (Prov 3:11-12; Heb 12:5-6). As a loving Father, he wants to bring us back to himself when we stray. To do that, he must correct our disobedience first. That’s what verses 15-18 are all about. Christ is not trying to show that he is against the church members. Rather, his correction of their behavior proves his love for them as his people.

The restoration of these believers was dependent on their obedience to this simple, two-fold command – be zealous and repent. For a church struggling with mediocrity and lack of commitment, a firm resolve was the first step to getting back on track. The Lord knew they would not repent if they continued in their spiritual slumber. They had to see their spiritual condition as it was, accept the Lord’s correction, and repent of their unproductive, ineffective service.

A Promise of Personal Blessing

Increased Fellowship with the Lord in the Present

Though the Laodicean church received nothing but the Lord’s criticism, he assured them of his undying love and desire for a restored fellowship if they would repent. He emphasizes this desire by including this wayward church in the promised blessings of the present and the future. Reading verse 20, we might have some confusion because we often associate this passage with evangelism and God’s working in the hearts of lost people. In reality, this passage speaks of Christ and his desire for increased fellowship with his saints.

Notice that Christ is standing outside knocking on the door. The picture is already bleak; why would the Lord be outside, instead of inside with his people? This demonstrates just how far the Laodicean believers have removed Christ from their fellowship because of their lukewarm, ignorant state. In response, Christ waits and knocks persistently at the door waiting to be let in so he can eat with his people. In an oriental culture (to this day), enjoying a meal is the most intimate way to have fellowship with others, whether close family or strangers. Jesus is offering close, intimate fellowship with any of these believers who would hear his voice and welcome his influence in their lives again.

Enjoy Christ’s Victory in the Future

To the overcomers, the Lord promises a seat next to him on his throne. This has special significance as Christ told his disciples that they did not know what they were asking for when they vied for a seat next to him in the kingdom (Matt 20:20-23). To have a seat near the divine king is a special privilege, yet Jesus offers it to Laodicean believers. In a sense, we already sit next to Christ on his throne. Like him, we were raised to new spiritual life, and we presently enjoy the spiritual privilege of sitting next to him in heavenly places (Eph 2:4-6).

In the future kingdom, our present spiritual reality will become a physical reality. We will sit next to the King of kings. While the Father remains on his heavenly throne, his Son, Jesus, will reign on earth as a king of peace and righteousness. His throne on earth shows his absolute victory over all other earthly kingdoms and spiritual powers that claim right over the earth. He defeated them all in his death and resurrection. We will reign with him, administering his righteous laws and judging the world under his rule (2 Tim 2:12).

Key Takeaways

Carefully and regularly examine your spiritual growth.

This church’s main problem was spiritual blindness; they didn’t know about their poor spiritual condition. We can avoid this problem through regular self-examination. Paul tells us to examine ourselves whether we are in the faith (2 Cor 13:5). We should examine the state of our spiritual growth as well. We cannot assume that just because we have salvation that it will tend to itself. It needs regular sharpening and attention to maintain maximum potential. Carefully examine your prayer life, the study of Scripture, your love for the saints, and your gospel witness. These are good indicators of spiritual growth. If one of them is lacking, give attention to it by resolving to obey the Lord in that area.

Produce good works for the Lord.

Do not allow a life of luxury or ease to prevent you from serving Christ. Do not allow your life to turn into a vegetative state where you are not contributing anything to the church of Christ. You are part of a body, and the body needs your contribution and gifts (1 Cor 12). If you fail to contribute, not only are you in disobedience, but everyone else suffers when you don’t do your part. Paul told Titus to encourage his church constantly to do good works (Tit 3:8). Claiming to have faith in Christ without evidence in your life communicates the wrong message. If you belong to Jesus, your life will give evidence of that relationship. By God’s grace, be fruitful for him by serving in and through the church.

Eagerly return to the Lord when you fall.

We all will have times of failing and stilted growth in our Christian lives. But we fall into hot waters when we drag our feet in that process. Do not allow the pressures of the world or the draw of sin to keep you away from fellowship with Christ. He desires intimacy with you. He wants to enable you for fruitful, abundant service. But the only way that is restored is if you hear his voice and let him back in when you fall. He does not force his way in. He waits for you to give him entrance. The Laodicean church would enjoy that special communion with the Lord, along with the future blessings of ruling with him, if they repented of their unfruitful Christianity. The Lord will do the same for you if you return to him.

In these seven letters, Christ speaks not to one church but all churches. Each church must carefully heed the warnings, lest Christ come swiftly, and shut them down. Sadly, many of these congregations experienced that. For those believers suffering under persecution or remaining faithful in a corrupted church fellowship, Jesus promises the richest blessings in his heavenly kingdom. Let these warnings sober you and prevent you from making the same mistakes. Let the blessings encourage you that no matter what you suffer in this life, whether from the world or your own church family, Jesus is coming back soon. He will right every wrong and reward his people who endured to the end.

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Christian Acosta is the Outreach and Discipleship Pastor at Faith Baptist Church of Queens, NY. This post first appeared on Shepherd Thoughts. We republish it with permission.