Revelation 3:14

Amen] i.e. Truth (cp. Isaiah 65:16; RM); He is the Reality behind all passing things; His life is the life which is life indeed; His promises are sure; He can be trusted utterly.

Witness] see on Revelation 1:5. The beginning, etc.] i.e. He who is the source of all life: cp. Colossians 1:18.

Laodicea] SE. of Philadelphia and E. of Ephesus. Its site is now utterly deserted. In 60 a.d. Laodicea was destroyed by an earthquake, but did not accept help from the emperor for the rebuilding, as many cities did. It was a great banking centre. It was also famous for the glossy black wool of its sheep, and did a large trade in the garments made from the wool: cp. Revelation 3:17. An article called 'Phrygian powder,' used to cure weakness of the eyes, may be alluded to in Revelation 3:18. A bishop of Laodicea was martyred 166 a.d.