The seventh and last message to Laodicea in Revelation chapter 3 is in stark contrast to Christ’s previous message to Philadelphia. Whereas Philadelphia is unique in that it did not receive any condemnation, Laodicea is unique in that it does not receive any commendation.
“Laodicea earned its wealth in the textile industry by the production of black wool and in the banking industry. Laodicea was also known for its medical school…which concocted a spikenard for the treatment of the ears and an eyesalve. The major weakness of Laodicea was its lack of a water supply. This need was met by bringing water six miles north from Denizli through a system of stone pipes (another sign of Laodicea’s wealth)” (Holman Bible Dictionary, 1994, Parson’s Technology, “Laodicea”). Water conveyed to Laodicea through these pipes was tepid by the time it reached the city.
Christ integrated these well-known facts about Laodicea into His spiritual message to them. He warned against a lukewarm, self-sufficient attitude: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot… So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich… and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eyesalve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent” (Revelation 3:15-19).
The Laodiceans were not criticized because of their wealth. The problem lay in the fact that their wealth allowed them to feel falsely self-sufficient and self-reliant. Christ inspired the Apostle John to use the example of the independence their physical wealth afforded them to emphasize the need to build spiritual character, even if it meant enduring some trials. They were advised to buy “gold refined in fire” which likely refers to the fire of trials.
He then went on to reference clothing as symbolic of putting on righteousness. He contrasted the black clothing of Laodicea with the symbolic bright clothing of the saints: “And to her [God’s Church] it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints” (Revelation 19:8). In doing this, he wasn’t simply referring to a different colored garment, but different behavior which would lead to spiritual growth.
Thirdly, the Apostle John spoke of their need for eye salve so they could see. While the Laodicean’s famous Phrygian powder was widely used for eye problems, he was referring to spiritual insight and wisdom to enable them to see their real condition and change.
Jesus’ strong words of correction were not only delivered to the first century Laodiceans, but for the entire body of Christ in all ages. The problem in Laodicea was not unusual. Self-deception continues today, especially in religious matters. Jeremiah 17:9 says the human heart is “is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” Proverbs 14:12 and 16:25 tell us, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”
Although the Laodiceans were in a serious spiritual condition, they were offered an opportunity to change. Upon repentance, they were promised a share in the same destiny that awaits all faithful Christians: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Revelation 3:20-21).
