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. Jesus is telling the church that He doesnt simply know their deeds; He knows the motives in their hearts. Gold, spiritual riches ( I Peter 1:7 ), contrasts with the word "poor," and fire symbolizes trial. These Christians believe they are rich by believing in Christ and have abundance by their good works. So how did Jesus overcome? 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. Lets remember the overall lesson from Christs message to Laodicea. The stone and salve were later imported throughout the Greek and Roman world but their first known use and preparation was in Laodicea. We cannot deny our sin or find excuses to justify it. Jesus loves this church, or he would not have rebuked them. But just as any purchase requires something for something, Christ is expecting something from the Christian. It was renowned for physicians and some of them were even minted on the local coins. Two of the doctors from Laodicea were so famous that their names appear on the coins of the city (Zeuxis and Alexander Philalethes). Yet this wealth had blinded them from seeing their true spiritual condition. If were doing something for recognition, then were not doing it for God. For all its wealth, the city had poor water (comments on Revelation 3:14-22). Giving time to Christ is what Christians must do to develop spiritual discernment. What does it mean to purchase something? Instead of being victorious over temptation, temptation had been victorious over them. 19btherefore be zealous and repent. 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. What did we read in Isaiah 55:1-3? 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. It is possible that faith was the refined gold that Christians were told to purchase from Jesus. What was it the Laodiceans were supposed to be victorious over? Laodicea also had a medical school for training people to become doctors. All of their success and self-righteousness was nakedness in Gods sight. Both of these cities were known for the pure waters that flowed through them. Christ is at the door! We now come back to the question of how do you buy from Jesus' refined gold? Jesus knew how to use God's grace. 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. As the water cooled down, it lost its effectiveness. They werent serving God the way he wanted them to be serving. It was part of a long trade route that included the four previous cities to the north. Wrapping up His message, Jesus then explains that He is standing at the door and knocking, meaning that He wants to come in and dine with them (Revelation 3:20). About Laodicea (See Colossians 2:1; 4:13-16) . After he sinned, he felt his nakedness and shame. The great Roman road stretching to the inland of Asia from the coast at Ephesus ran straight through its center, making Laodicea an important center of trade and communication. There are a couple of points that I need to make here that you might not have seen before. The city of Laodicea was located between the cities of Hierapolis and Colossae. Only a few are willing; the rest have ears, but they do not have ears to hear (Matthew 7:1314, 2427). Why does the church not hear his voice? Phileo is the Greek word for friend or friendship. 1. The ancient Greeks thought that only a barbarian would drink undiluted wine. Their wealth has become their savior who supplies their every need. He was diligent and committed to the will of God the Father (John 4:34). The wine was almost always served either hot or warm, as the ancient Greeks had no efficient way to chill the wine. Incline your ear to his voice. The city was also known as a health resort, one of the best in the Graeco-Roman world owing mostly to its lukewarm . 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. 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. 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). It is the ordinary daily trust of the Son of God (Galatians 2:20) by which we live and minister to others. The word for dine is the Greek word (deipns), which means to eat at a banquet.24 This word for dine is very similar to the Greek word for dinner deipnon, the evening meal. Those terms are imputed righteousness and imparted righteousness. Fortunately for us, Jesus is that friend. Jesus is telling the church to have a purpose, to have a focus, and to make sure that Jesus is the reason for their deeds and works. For us to purchase something from Christ, something is required. You must know the truth so well that, when the lies of the enemy appear, you can recognize them. 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 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. If there had been a corresponding word in the Greek language, then amen could have been translated. Production of the famous "Phrygian powder" was also performed in Laodicea. via phone at (626) 851-7001. Laodicea is the seventh of the seven churches listed in the Book of Revelation. Please understand that Christ is not referring to saving faith in this passage. 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. At the foot of Mount Cadmus, it benefited from an endless supply of cold, freshwater coming down from the snow caps. But we have to invite Him inside. If anyone in the church hears Christ's voice and opens the door, he will come and dine with them. "Eyesalve to rub in your eyes" Laodicea was also famous as a healing center. 3. Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money come, buy and eat. Similar to how some people likely spewed the citys unpleasant drinking water out of their mouths, Jesus said He would do the same, yet more violently. To look at being cold in context, we need to look at it from the Laodicean perspective. For example, lets say that I issued instructions for you to sit either on the left or the right side of the room but not in the center. It almost always represents purity, righteousness, or wisdom. Jesus was in heaven with God, but voluntarily became a man for our sakes. In the New Testament, eyes tend to represent spiritual discernment (Matthew 13:10-17, 1 John 2:11). He humbled Himself so that He could achieve His purpose in God's plan by putting God's will before His own. Removing those impurities, such as trace metals and ores, requires the gold to go through a process called smelting. Jesus is the power and authority that God utilized in creating the universe. Be referring to himself as the beginning of the creation of God; he once again ascertains his deity. Greek 2854. kollourion -- eye salve. To fully understand what amen means, you must turn to the Old Testament. What did Christ mean when He said He would spit them out of His mouth if they did not change? It is through our relationship and identification with Christ and His work, and our faithfulness in the conflict with sin as we draw upon Christ, that we get to share in His reign as a reward for faithful service. 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.) Making an everlasting covenant with God (salvation is only the starting point). Both Laodicea and Philadelphia served as gateways to the eastern region of Phrygia and as ambassadors for Greek culture. "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. I could wish you were cold or hot. St. John mentioned Laodicea as one of the Seven Churches of Asia in the Book of Revelation Listen, that you may live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, according to the faithful mercies shown to David. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 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. The hot/cold issue begs the question: What exactly is God talking about? The only way to be in a right relationship with God is through forgiveness. 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. (21) He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. Their money has become their idol, and they worship it rather than worshiping God. I dont think so. Instead of looking to God to supply their every need, they look to their wealth instead. What they were doing wasnt being done for the glory of God. Hours of Operation Monday & Tuesday 10a - 6p | Thursday & Friday 8a - 4p Saturday - By Appointment Only. But in this verse, Jesus is telling the church that they are naked and in need of white garments that only he can provide. Gold mined from rock always has impurities. They may have been well off economically, but they were poor in their relationship with God. But hot water also had another use. The water came either from hot springs and was cooled to lukewarm or came from a cooler source and warmed up in the aqueduct on the way. Print subscriptions available in U.S., Canada and Europe. Although Laodicea produced the best eye-salve in the ancient world, the Laodicean Christians were blind when looking at their spiritual state. Colossae quickly decreased in importance. No, it does not; just dont sit in the center. It was the perfect water for drinking, cooking, or even bathing. All things are from Him, and we exist for Him. What I said was important! Those who have ears to hear allow the Word to bear fruit to the glory of God. What, or rather, who, are these angels? 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. Laodicea was known for three things: It was a wealthy city and a financial center. Laodicea was so conscious of its medical skill in the care of the eyes that it never realized that it was spiritually blind. They think they have need of nothing because they are saved and on their way to heaven. Remains of a water pipe in Laodicea (photo by David Treybig). 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. The focus of this verse is on deed or works. Hear God. 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. 21a He who overcomes. 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). Jesus leaves no doubt that what is about to follow is true and should be taken very seriously because they are his words. And finally, like all the previous messages, Jesus says, He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (verse 22). Jesus was obedient and faithful, even to the point of death (John 12:27,28). The Bible speaks of eye-salve. This promise is amazing because, whenever we do overcome in the battles of life, it is always through Him. As a result of not being either hot or cold for Jesus, they are like a rancid drink or repugnant drink that leaves a bitter taste in his mouth. Works, or deeds, are more than simply what we do; they are how we live. What is the time of need? Youre going to have to give him your time. What are we supposed to overcome? Verse three follows with, Incline your ear and come unto Me. Gratitude Vision Optometry offers premier primary eye care, specialty contact lenses & more. Listen, that you may live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, according to the faithful mercies shown to David. Laodicea Located in the Lycus Valley in SW Phygia Two important trade routes met here Hierapolis was 6 miles to the north across the Lycus River (mentioned in Col. 4:13) Colossae was ten miles away Laodicea was the wealthiest city in Phrygia. Ho! The essential element in real repentance is that we must come to God in humbleness to request his forgiveness. In the Old Testament, the sacrifice could not be slain until it had been presented to the priest. Of course, Gods love extends to all humanity. In this situation, you are not standing for Christ; you are standing for yourself. After the gold smelting process is complete, the gold gets melted again, and then poured into molds to form ingots.17. Thank you! 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. The first thing we need to look at is what it means to be cold. 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. We can get so busy doing things for God that at some point, we stop doing them Him and begin doing them for ourselves. Nine miles to the east of Laodicea lay the town of Colossae. 4. The focus of sanctification is the healing of the dysfunctionality of sin (it is imparted). The word cold is the Greek word (psuchros) and means cool, fresh, or cold.14 It should be obvious that being cold must be a good thing, or Christ would not have recommended it. 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. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door. We need to look at this verse in context with the entire passage. 14bthe Amen. Jesus lived a life of humility. Pay close attention! God cares more about the condition of our hearts than the condition of wallets. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be . Hydrotherapy for the sick became accompanied by religious practices in the local temples. The whole point of this verse is that lukewarm has no use. Laodicea was a town in the Lycus River valley in present-day Turkey. Laodicea was also known as a center for the wool and dye trade. What did Christ mean? eye salve. Get the latest blog posts from Life, Hope & Truth straight to yourinbox. 15byou are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. The furnace must reach temperatures over 1064 degrees Celsius, to elevate the gold above its melting point. The phrase ears to hear is used throughout the Bible, starting with Deuteronomy 29:4. Eye salve in Laodicea The city of Laodicea was known for its extraordinary eye salve, as well as a medical school. It looks like Laodicea had put their faith in the gold that perishes. Click the button below for more information about the copyright.Copyright. Whats valuable both now and in eternity is what God cares about: treating people right, forgiveness, and loyalty (Matthew 23:23, Micah 6:8).Were meant to use possessions and love people, not love possessions and use people. (Luke 9:23, Luke 14:26) It costs us something. On the cross daily, they suffer and die. Isaiah 55:1-3 speaks of buying from God without money things that dont have a price. The promise in this verse is that the church will reign with Christ if they overcome. Youre going to have to give him your time. 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). 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