On our first day in Türkiye, we visited the ancient ruins of the great city of Laodicea. The church in Laodicea is one of the seven churches St. John addresses in his vision from the Book of Revelation while in exile on Patmos. The archaeological site is impressive, and one quickly learns that the church in Laodicea became a formidable church over time.
We know about the church in Laodicea due to Paul’s Letter to the Colossians. He mentions an actual letter that he wrote to the Laodiceans that does not currently exist. We also know that the churches of Laodicea, Hierapolis, and Colossae were often grouped together, and that the letter of Paul to the Colossians was a circular letter that would be read in Laodicea and other places. Founded most likely not by Paul, but by Epaphras, these churches had what we might call a shared ministry. When Paul addresses these churches, he commends them and his correspondence is mostly positive.
But something changes when John writes to the church in Laodicea. He chides them for being lukewarm, and he threatens to spit them out!
‘And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the origin of God’s creation: I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth. For you say, “I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing.” You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Therefore I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may be rich; and white robes to clothe you and to keep the shame of your nakedness from being seen; and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.’ (Revelation 3:14-18)
Laodicea was known for its tremendous wealth as it was a financial center. When a major earthquake ravaged the city, and Rome offered financial assistance, they declined the help, for they had their own resources to rebuild. They benefited from a medical school, and they had a salve for the eyes used for eye maladies. They were also known for their fine textiles.
The reference to being lukewarm is especially interesting, and has to do with Laodicea’s location between Colossae and Hierapolis. Hierapolis had hot springs, and Colossae had pure, cold water. In contrast, Laodicea had lukewarm water, neither hot and fresh or cold and refreshing, and excavations have shown that the city had a problem with the calcification of pipes due to many minerals in the water. They had lukewarm water of poor quality.
John draws on all of these aspects to challenge them. They are lukewarm, passionless, and indifferent due to their great fortunes, and even though they have money, they do not have true riches. Even though they have eye salve, they cannot see clearly. Even though they have textiles, they need to be clothed in righteousness and purity.
What is interesting is that perhaps the Laodiceans heard John’s critique. According to the excavations, Laodicea had some beautiful churches. The church grew over time, warranting a bishop, and there was even a Council of Laodicea in the mid-fourth century. If they were lukewarm, they discovered a passion for Christ, and God granted growth.
I realized while at the ruins of Laodicea that lukewarm water is actually good for something - Baptisms. Whether used for infants or adults, the water of baptism is best when it is not too cold or too hot. Such lukewarm water with the power of the Holy Spirit transforms lives to be passionate for Christ. Obviously the Laodiceans discovered a use for their lukewarm water. They baptized in the Name of the Holy Trinity, and because of that God granted them growth. They became a beautiful church, having been encouraged by Paul and challenged by John, and as a result, Jesus Christ was praised.
Father Paul Lillie +
