LAODICEA
(Revelation 3:14-22, Colossians 2:1, 4:13-16)
The
origin of the city goes back to the 3rd century B.C. It is thought to have
been named to the honor of king Antiochus II's wife Laodicea.
Cicero is known to be lived in the
city in 50 B.C.
Laodicea was on the crossroads
between the important Ionian cities of that time. This helped the city to
claim a big wealth due to the existing high volume commercial activity in
the region. There was a rich and influencial Jewish community long before
the Christian era. But, most of the locals were respecting Zeus more than
any other god.
During the time of St.John, the
church of Laodicea was one of the seven most important churches of
Christianity. On his message of God to the church of Laodicea which was
written in Revelation 3:14-22, he said :
"(3:14) To the angel of the
church in Laodicea write : This is the message from the Amen, the faithful
and true witness, who is the origin of all that God has created. (3:15) I
know what you have done; I know you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you
were either one or the other! (3:16) But because you are lukewarm, neither
hot nor cold, I am going to spit you out of my mouth! (3:17) You say, 'I am
rich and well off; I have all I need.' But you do not know how miserable and
pitiful you are! You are poor, naked, and blind. (3:18) I advise you, then,
to buy gold from me, pure gold, in order to be rich. Buy also white clothing
to dress yourself and cover up your shameful nakedness. (3:19) I rebuke and
punish all whom I love. Be in earnest, then, and turn from your sins. (3:20)
Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens
the door, I will come into his house and eat with him, and he will eat with
me. (3:21) To those who win the victory I will give the right to sit beside
me on my throne, just as I have been victorious and now sit by my Father on
his throne. (3:22) If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to
the churches!"
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