And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth – Revelation 3:14-16.
Many Christians have misinterpreted this scriptural verse without understanding its genuine intent. What was the Lord’s intention when He scolded the Laodicean church and said, “Thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot; because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth?” Does a cold church imply spiritual death, whilst a hot church signifies spiritual life? Is this what he meant when he said it?
Introduction:
The ancient cities of Colossae, Hierapolis, and Laodicea were located in the Lycus River Valley in what is now Turkey, not too far from one another. The Bible’s New Testament has references to these cities. Laodicea faced Colossae to the southeast, and Hierapolis to the north. Tucked away in Asia Minor, these cities were special because of their different supplies of water. Colossae provided cool, pleasant water, whereas Hierapolis was known for its therapeutic hot springs. Located halfway between the two, Laodicea was criticized for its spiritual state and lukewarm water. This story looks not only at the physical features but also at the spiritual lessons that may be learned from these ancient sites.
It’s possible that the biblical references to “hot and cold” and “lukewarm streams” allude to the water sources in the towns. In the Book of Revelation 3:15–16, the word “lukewarmness” is used symbolically to describe a lack of zeal or commitment. The frequent flow of Luke warm water through Laodicea left behind calcium deposits, rendering them unpleasant. This vision can be explained by the fact that Colossae was recognized for its cool, refreshing water and Hierapolis for its hot springs, whereas Laodicea only had access to moderate mineral springs; it was tepid or lukewarm. There are several reasons why this lukewarm water might not be as appealing, such as its taste and possible mineral content. The biblical allusion, nevertheless, seems more figurative, implying a state of spiritual affairs than the water’s suitability for drinking.
Paul forewarns the church in his epistle to the Colossians against heretics who distort the authentic message of Christ by fusing it with ideas that enslave people. He cautions the church against erroneous doctrines and teachings that can mislead members. Although the church of Laodicea is not specifically mentioned in Paul’s warning in Colossians, it’s conceivable that the worries about false teachings applied to other churches in the area, including Laodicea. The generic wording of the warning suggests that it was meant to address a widespread issue that may have been present in various Christian groups. Paul tells the Colossians in Colossians 4:16 to read the letter he wrote to the Laodiceans and to exchange letters with the church there. This allusion suggests that during the early years of the Christian church, there was correspondence and connection between the churches in Colossae and Laodicea.
The New Testament does not specifically address the specifics of the beliefs or practices of the Laodicean church that were deemed incorrect. But there is a message to the Laodicean church in the book of Revelation that criticizes it for becoming self-sufficient and lukewarm and exhorts it to turn from its sin and return to a passionate faith in Christ. This self-sufficiency and lukewarmness may be signs of a lack of wholehearted devotion to Jesus’ teachings and spiritual complacency. The emphasis is on the necessity for sincere devotion to the faith and spiritual regeneration, even though the specific doctrinal issues are not stated.
Let’s see what these three cities were most renowned for?
Hierapolis – Healing Waters:
Famous for its hot springs, Hierapolis attracted visitors from far and wide who came to enjoy the healing properties of its waters. The hot springs provided energy for large public baths, private baths, and home fixtures that were thought to be consoling and restorative.
Colossae – Nature’s Refreshment:
Colossae, which was close to Hierapolis, was well known for its icy fresh water that came from Mount Cadmus’s snow-capped peaks. Especially in the spring and summer, the cold water streams that blossomed in the Lycus River Valley were characterized as lovely and energizing. With its abundance of cold water and magnificent mountains, Colossae managed to retain its allure even though it was in decline.
Laodicea – Lukewarm Critique:
Laodicea, located between Hierapolis and Colossae, was criticized in ancient writings for being spiritually “lukewarm.” The warm, mineral-rich water supply was thought sickening, reflecting the church’s lukewarm condition. Despite its spiritual status, Laodicea prospered commercially as a hub for black wool, eye salve, and banking (thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing – Rev 3:17).
Laodicea was known for it commerce, health, and social status. It was also believed to be the gateway to the underworld due to the discovery of plutonium near the Apollo Temple in Hierapolis. The city’s thriving population, eye salve industry, and black wool production were all factors in its growth.
The historical context of black wool, eye salve, and banking in the ancient city of Laodicea:
- Black Wool:
Wool production was a major enterprise in antiquity, and the color of the fiber served a variety of purposes. Particularly black wool may have been connected to opulence or superior apparel. It could be used to clothing that was seen as prestigious or socially significant. The reference to black wool at Laodicea may indicate that the city has achieved a certain level of wealth or success. Nevertheless, the Bible’s figurative use suggests a spiritual lesson rather than a precise allusion to attire.
- Eye Salve:
Eye ointment or salve was used for both cosmetic and medical purposes in antiquity. Eye salve was used by people to treat and relieve eye conditions. Certain ointments were also applied cosmetically to improve one’s appearance. In the context of Laodicea, the metaphorical usage suggests a desire for spiritual healing and enlightenment. The plea for eye salve could indicate the need for a greater understanding of spiritual things, since the prosperity of the city may have contributed to a spiritual complacency.
- Banking:
Although financial transactions took place in antiquity, banking was not as formalized as it is now. Wealthy cities like Laodicea would have participated in trade and commerce. Though perhaps less regulated than in modern banking, moneylending and other financial activities were carried out. The biblical context’s figurative usage of banking may allude to a dependence on worldly wealth and the necessity of investing in spiritual wealth and virtues instead.
Conclusion:
John criticizes the church in Laodicea for its lukewarm condition, which serves as a metaphor for spiritual apathy. Laodicea was wealthy in the natural world, but Jesus saw things differently. He advised them to purchase from Him gold that had been tried in the fire so that they would be genuinely wealthy rather than depending on their banking system; white clothing so that they would be covered and the shame of their nudity would not be seen, in place of the rich black wool that they produce; and anoint their eyes with eye salve that He will provide so that you may see – Rev 3:17–18.
The entwined stories of Laodicea, Colossae, and Hierapolis about healing, refreshment, and spiritual contemplation provide a window into these ancient towns’ rich past. Not only do we discover physical characteristics through the waters that shaped them, but we also discover deep spiritual messages that still have relevance today.
The Laodicean church was chastised for being too mellow. The biblical narrative criticizes the lukewarm condition of the church in Laodicea and emphasizes the importance of believers being either hot (healers) or cold (uplifters), rather than apathetic. John encourages believers to bring Jesus’ compassion and care to wounded and broken people, likening it to providing “hot” or “cold” water to those in need. The early Christians in Laodicea’s failure to respond effectively to their community’s needs is highlighted as a squandered evangelistic opportunity.
When Jesus said, “I would thou wert either hot or cold,” he most likely meant that the church should be a place where the people can find solace, healing, and restoration, similar to the hot water of Hierapolis or places like Colossae, which provides cool, refreshing water that revitalizes the community, rather than a tepid source that sends out sickeningly warm, mineral-rich water, that could only be spewed out.