Revelation 3:14-22

To The Lukewarm Church

Verse 14 Laodicea was 40 miles southeast of Philadelphia. It was in a fertile valley at the junction of several major trade routes. It was a wealthy city famous for much gold, because it was a banking center, its black wooled sheep and fine garments made from that wool, and an eye powder which was used to help weak and failing eyes. There was an earthquake that destroyed the city in A. D. 60. The people were proud to say they rebuilt without any aid from Rome. Jesus is described as the "Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God." Within these words, we find supported, truthful statements coming from the very creator of all the things we know of. (Colossians 1:16-17; John 1:1-3) He had made these people, knew what they were really like and would testify as to the true state of affairs.

Verse 15 There were warm springs nearby, at Hierapolis. The word "hot" is translated "zealous" is some places and means a boiling water. The hot springs were valued for medicine and treatment of various aches. Beneath the city of Laodicea, at Colossae, one could find nice, cold drinking water. The hot springs from Hierapolis flow over the plateau and become lukewarm by the time they spill over a cliff next to Laodicea. Such water was not good for medicine or drink, thus it was useless. The church in Laodicea was, like the water outside of the city, useless. Jesus wished they were either refreshing or aided in healing. It should be noted that some have taken the position that Jesus would rather they were unconverted sinners than lukewarm Christians and cite Hebrews 4:4-6 and 2 Peter 2:20. God abhors those who take no stand an try to deceive others, while in fact only deceiving themselves.

Verse 16 When one gets tepid water in his mouth, he is inclined to pit out, or more literally vomit forth. This was the Lord's reaction to a useless church. Hendricksen says, "Christ does not really say: 'I will spew thee out of my mouth', but 'I am about to spew thee out of my mouth'. The Lord is still waiting."

Verse 17 They were self-sufficient. Just as the city did not need the help of Rome to rebuild in A. D. 60, the church did not see the need for God. They saw themselves as rich and getting richer, therefore needing not one thing from anyone. In fact, their spiritual condition was one of a man "enduring toils and troubles; afflicted, wretched," according to Thayer. They were also pitiable, that is, when others looked at the church they turned their heads because of the pathetic sight they had seen. The word "poor" here suggests one out on the streets begging. Their vision had been clouded over by smoke so they could not see these things. In a city with an eye powder used in the treatment of ophthalmia, they were so near-sighted they could not see their condition. They were without spiritual clothes in a city known for its garment industry.

Verse 18 Though they were spiritually destitute, the Lord will not force them to change but counsels them to change as a loving brother or friend might. They did not need physical riches but needed the riches of the knowledge of God (Matthew 13:44-46; Colossians 2:1-3) and a faith proven in the crucible of trials. (1 Peter 1:7) White raiment would depict the holiness and purity which comes from the cleansing blood of the lamb. (Revelation 1:5; Revelation 7:14; Acts 22:16) They also needed their spiritual eyes opened so they could look into the mirror of God's word and see their faults. (James 1:25) Christians should not be as concerned with outward appearance as they are with inward. (2 Corinthians 4:18)

Verse 19 Despite their problems and the very stern language the Lord has used, they should be assured he still loved them. (Hebrews 12:7-11) The word "zealous" comes from the same root word as the word "hot" in verse 15. The Lord wanted them to turn aside from sin so he would not have to spew them out.

Verse 20 The Lord wanted to be let into the door of every Christian's heart. He would not give up but continued to seek an entrance. He kept on knocking on the door of individual Christian's heart and kept calling for an entrance so he could change the church. To hear the Lord's voice, one must heed and obey. The word "sup" causes us to think of dining with the Savior at his table. Here is a church out of fellowship with its Lord.

Verse 21 Jesus has overcome the tomb and is now seated with God on his throne and is reigning. (Acts 2:32-36; Hebrews 1:3) Just as he overcame and began to reign, the Christian who overcomes will reign with Christ in glory.

Verse 22 We need to listen to these words and obey.