Jesus knew how to use God's grace. into Greek letters, and then into English letters. The residents would go there daily to fill their jars with the cold refreshing water from Colossae. Gods word says that this spiritual gold tried in the fire is more precious than natural gold that perishes. Then we must take active, practical steps to avoid falling into sin. Hebrews 5:11-14 shows how the eye salve to fix spiritual discernment is utilized. Youre going to have to give him your time. Revelation 3:14-22 By knowing and obeying the Word of God, you will be trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Even though Jesus spent time with sinners, he never called them friends. Hear God. The fertile valley contained pastures with large flocks of sheep. Local resources of zinc and alum became the basis for the production of eye ointments, known as kollyria, also sold by merchants from Laodicea.3 The powder would be mixed with water to give it a paste-like consistency and then applied to the eyes. Listen, that you may live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, according to the faithful mercies shown to David. He has given us Gods Word as a guide, help, and a weapon. No, it does not; just dont sit in the center. It was a central banking center and traded well in black wool and an innovative eye salve used for medicinal purposes. In Matthew 4:1-11, during Jesus' temptations, His reply always started with, it is written. But Jesus didnt only quote the Word; He had authority when He used Gods Word because He also lived by it. While Colossae was neither as prominent or wealthy as Hierapolis or Laodicea, its location at the end of the valley made it easy to defend from enemies. They may have lost their focus and strayed in their Christianity, but they are still a body of believers that Christ wanted to straighten out. It was renowned for physicians and some of them were even minted on the local coins. There are a couple of points that I need to make here that you might not have seen before. Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. One of the two Roman theaters is remarkably well preserved, and there may still be seen the stadium, a colonnade, the aqueduct which brought the water across the valley to the city by an inverted siphon of stone pipes, a large necropolis, and the ruins of three early Christian churches (ISBE). It is very important to understand that this verse is NOT saying that Jesus was the first thing created; rather, it is stating that Jesus was the source of creation. What does it mean to be hot? If you have, you can probably imagine what Jesus is experiencing. I wish you were either cold or hot! Having gotten their attention, Jesus then explains why He described their spiritual condition as lukewarm. The mineral water was used to clean the wool and set, or lock, the color of the dyes (this ensures the wool holds its color when washed). He reckons it to our account.18 The process of reckoning is what we call salvation. 20a Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him. Jesus used scripture as a weapon. It is important to understand that Jesus does not call just anyone his friend. The Corinthian believers were engaged in some seriously messed up things. We are to present ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). Christs threefold prescription to cure their condition paralleled the physical circumstances that had apparently deceived them. Following the pattern of the other letters, this one was also to the angel of the church. If it were a common practice to refer to the chief person in the church as a messenger, this would be evident in the other letters contained in the New Testament, especially in Paul's. Revelation 3:20. These Christians believe they are rich by believing in Christ and have abundance by their good works. According to Romans 12:3, God has given everyone a measure of faith (gold) with which we receive salvation and use our varying gifts. Gold, spiritual riches ( I Peter 1:7 ), contrasts with the word "poor," and fire symbolizes trial. Wrapping up His message, Jesus then explains that He is standing at the door and knocking, meaning that He wants to come in and dine with them (Revelation 3:20). This promise is amazing because, whenever we do overcome in the battles of life, it is always through Him. This letter was not written by a weary shepherd, hoping to be let in for some comfort and a bite to eat. Jesus wants you to be cold. They produced a world-famous salve, reputed to cure certain kinds of eye diseases. Before considering the significance of this term and the rest of the message from Christ, lets note a few things about Laodiceas history. We must pray and cry out to God, and our lust for sin has to feel the pain of being denied. All of their success and self-righteousness was nakedness in Gods sight. Hot water is only effective while it is hot. He wants to hear about how our day went and share in our victories and sorrows. Baldwin Park Eye Care | We are located at 4829 New Broad St, Orlando, FL, 32814. EYESALVE i'-sav (kollourion; collyrium; Revelation 3:18 ): A Phrygian powder mentioned by Galen, for which the medical school of Laodicea seems to have been famous (see Ramsay, The Letters to the Seven Churches of Asia), but the figurative reference is to the restoring of spiritual vision. If I go to the store to purchase something, I exchange my money for the goods I wish to purchase. As the faithful and true witness, Jesus is relaying to us what he heard from God the Father. The first question well delve into is why they needed to purchase white garments. The time you give Christ to purchase this eye salve, the more results you will see. What does it mean to buy gold from Jesus? . The white clothing we need to purchase from Christ is imparted righteousness. The focus of justification is the removal of the guilt of sin. Incline your ear to his voice. 18band white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed. Once again, Jesus Christ begins this message by identifying Himself as the One giving the message. In the times of late antiquity, it had a large Jewish community and a significant congregation of Christians. About Laodicea (See Colossians 2:1; 4:13-16) . ointment made from spice nard and an eye salve made from Phrygian stones. Laodicea was so conscious of its medical skill in the care of the eyes that it never realized that it was spiritually blind. The only way to be in a right relationship with God is through forgiveness. Justification by its very nature does not have a progressive character. Print subscriptions available in U.S., Canada and Europe. The also liked to add a little hot water to their wine. Various thermal installations, which included immense hot basins and pools for swimming, were built to take advantage of the natural resource. You will know Gods character and will, and that is the heart of spiritual discernment being able to distinguish the voice of God from the voice of the world. By knowing and obeying the Word of God, you will be trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. It is through our relationship and identification with Christ and His work, and our faithfulness in the conflict with sin as we draw upon Christ, that we get to share in His reign as a reward for faithful service. Cling to the Vine "I am the vine; you are the branches. "11 (According to dictionary.com, the word "aver" means to declare positively, or state something as a fact.) Why does the church not hear his knock? What is the time of need? Amen is not an actual Greek word. It is the foundation of wisdom. Removing those impurities, such as trace metals and ores, requires the gold to go through a process called smelting. It takes a true friend to point out negative things in your life, and then be willing to be part of the solution. Theologians have struggled for two thousand years, trying to determine who exactly they are. Some have wondered if the last name mentionedthe Beginning of the creation of Godindicates that Jesus was a created Being. The essential element in real repentance is that we must come to God in humbleness to request his forgiveness. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth (Luke 21:34-35). When the messages to the churches of Revelation 2-3 are viewed as a chronological development of the Church, this passage also indicates that the return of Christ is near. In John 1:14, we read the astonishing words that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus could be described as the Word personified. Listen that you may live, and I will make an everlasting covenant with you. Buying gold tried in the fire from God requires several things from us: (22) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.. Another lesson from the message to Laodicea is that we must be doers of Gods Word. Jesus wants you to be hot. God advises them to obtain spiritual riches produced through trials, which the self-sufficient Laodicean avoids by compromising. Jesus doesnt just look at the actions we perform; he focuses on the heart. The word discipline is the Greek word (paideu) and means to correct, to chastise.22 The basic idea behind this word is correction or guidance. For a faster response, please call us directly at 888-666-8135. It doesnt matter which one you are, as long as you are one or the other. Verse 14 leaves no doubt the Jesus Christ is the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God. Associated with the temple was a medical school. Spiritual fire burns away spiritual impurities. Faith is the means (produces the results) of sanctifying grace, Now to the business of how to purchase white garments from Christ. They were storing up treasure on earth, but not in heaven. Why does the church not hear his voice? Laodicea was a city located in what is today the nation of Turkey, then called Asia Minor, in a section of the Roman Empire called "Phrygia" (Acts 18:23). Revelation 3:14-22. Consider the following: Jesus then tells the Laodiceans that He has given them this strong correction because He loves them and wants them to be zealous and repent (Revelation 3:19). They probably think they are just like any other church. The word zealous is the Greek word (zeleue) and means to be eager, earnest.23 The church is commanded to be earnest or zealous, which means a passionate eagerness to do God's will. In ancient Greek culture, the evening meal was a social event. Laodicea was a city that was so rich; it minted coins that bore the images of Apollo, Asclepius, and Zeus.16 The reproach in verse 17 assumes that the Christians in Laodicea were also rich, as the passage would have no meaning to poor people. The culture of the city had infiltrated the church, and the members didnt know how spiritually wretched and weak they were. Serving wine lukewarm would be considered an insult. Laodicea was known for three things: It was a wealthy city and a financial center. The eye salve must be purchased, and it is expensive. The problem seems to be in their motives. Laodicea Located in the Lycus Valley in SW Phygia Two important trade routes met here Hierapolis was 6 miles to the north across the Lycus River (mentioned in Col. 4:13) Colossae was ten miles away Laodicea was the wealthiest city in Phrygia. John 1:3 (HSCB) says, All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. John 1:10 (HSCB) says, He was in the world, and the world was created through Him, yet the world did not recognize Him. 1 Corinthians 8:6 (HSCB) says, yet for us, there is one God, the Father. If were doing something for recognition, then were not doing it for God. 18cand eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. He and his wife, Teddi, have two grown children and seven grandchildren. The water came either from hot springs and was cooled to lukewarm or came from a cooler source and warmed up in the aqueduct on the way. He was very careful about whom he called friend. Jesus never referred to anyone who was not his disciple as a friend. If anyone in the church hears Christ's voice and opens the door, he will come and dine with them. He is the one who addressed the church at Laodicea. . We know from this introduction that what follows is being said by Jesus. The Greek word for deeds ( - ergon) means means denotes comprehensively what a man is and how he acts.13 Typically translated as works or deeds, these words do not accurately convey the richness of the Greek word. Jesus was obedient and faithful, even to the point of death (John 12:27,28). I could wish you were cold or hot. 20band will dine with him, and he with Me. Article URL: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/revelation/seven-churches-of-revelation/laodicea/, Although there was much gold in the city, the riches that really matter are spiritual in natureknowing and practicing Gods truth (, Although Laodicea had a reputation for producing excellent-quality garments from the wool produced in the area, the Bride of Christ will be dressed in fine linen, clean and bright representing the righteous acts of the saints (, Although Laodicea produced medicine for healing various eye ailments, the most important things we need to see are spiritual. A change of heart will follow honest confession. Nine miles to the east of Laodicea lay the town of Colossae. You must know the truth so well that, when the lies of the enemy appear, you can recognize them. We need to look at this verse in context with the entire passage. The whole point of this verse is that lukewarm has no use. If were doing something hoping that it will bring ourselves glory or accolades or pats on the back, then were not doing for God. Among them nothing from before the Roman period has appeared. Greek 2854. kollourion -- eye salve. Christ told the church (in verse 17) that they were blind, and in verse 18, they are instructed to purchase eye salve. The word rebuke is the Greek word (elegch) and means to convict, to prove one in the wrong.21 Jesus is doing more than just telling the Laodiceans their faults; he is convicting them of their sin. Have you ever been locked out of your own house? Other sources suggest that the water came from a hot spring with mineralized water containing sulfur, giving it an unpleasant taste and smell. To heal their weak spiritual condition, Jesus said, 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 eye salve, that you may see (verse 18). The major idea behind this word is constancy and reliability.8 Isaiah referred to God as the God of amen, due to his truthfulness and trustworthiness (Isaiah 65:16). Hierapolis achieved great renown for its hot springs and day spas. It is to have a sense of what is right and what is wrong. 14cthe Beginning of the creation of God. A 1,000-year-old Anglo-Saxon 'eye salve' made from onion, garlic, wine and part of a cow's stomach has been shown to wipe out 90 percent of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, otherwise known as MRSA. Used by permission. The stone and salve were later imported throughout the Greek and Roman world but their first known use and preparation was in Laodicea. At the foot of Mount Cadmus, it benefited from an endless supply of cold, freshwater coming down from the snow caps. Gold, clothing, and eye salve represent the three major industries of Laodicea: banking, textiles, and medicines. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15 NASB. It is an often-used phrase that Jesus utilized when speaking in parables. A cold Christian visits the shut-ins, the hospitalized, and in prison. Laodicea built an aqueduct that ran from the mountains above Colossae to the city center. (18) I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. (16) So because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Zeus, the supreme god, was also worshiped in the city (Expositors). The word amen is used thirty times in the Old Testament. He would vomit them out of His mouth because their works were so distasteful to Him. He humbled Himself to the Father's will. They had somehow taken off the white clothing they received during salvation and stood naked before God. The writer speaks to those who had become dull of hearing, meaning they had little to no spiritual discernment. Laodicea also produced a special eye salve that was made by powdering a special Phrygian stone. (Luke 9:23, Luke 14:26) It costs us something. Both churches were in a downward spiral of carnality. Here we see Christ speaking as a merchant, advising the church to buy his merchandise. Click the button below for more information about the copyright.Copyright. It was named Laodicea by the Greek ruler Antiochus II Theos around 260 BC in honor of his wife Laodice. Jesus was in heaven with God, but voluntarily became a man for our sakes. Uniquely situated on a large flat-topped hill, the town was protected from the flooding in the spring when the snow melted off the nearby mountains. This process causes the gold to coagulate and form nuggets and clumps of gold. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. More than likely, the members of the church in Laodicea were carnal Christians. Laodicea lies 40 miles southeast from Philadelphia in the Lycus Valley. When we say that God imputes Christ's righteousness to us, it means that God thinks of Christ's righteousness as belonging to us, or regards it as belonging to us. Gratitude Vision Optometry offers premier primary eye care, specialty contact lenses & more. NPI number for Mrs Salve Aldea Pineda is 1669536868 and her . They were a prominent banking center for the entire region. It almost always represents purity, righteousness, or wisdom. The hot Christian should also be like hot wine; the pleasant taste and aroma of a Christ-like life should cause people to want Christs salvation as well. Eye salve in Laodicea The city of Laodicea was known for its extraordinary eye salve, as well as a medical school. Because you say, I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothingand do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and nakedI 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 eye salve, that you may see. The Roman historian Tacitus wrote that the Laodiceans had again refused aid from Rome following an earthquake that badly damaged the city in A.D. 60 (Annals, 14:27). He wants to be the friend that we invite over to dinner. The first thing we need to look at is what it means to be cold. The city also became renowned throughout the empire for it's eye and ear salve. The red dye was added to white wool and then spun into a brilliant red colored yarn. You would probably spit it out at the first sip. What images came into their minds? The Laodiceans were rich and self-sufficient, with no need for God to supply their needs. Ho! Laodicea quickly became a rich city, rich enough to be able to rebuild itself without outside help after the destructive earthquake of 60 A.D. Isaiah 55:1-3 speaks of buying from God without money things that dont have a price. Phileo is the Greek word for friend or friendship. The Holy Spirit will come and show us the way out. It costs our will. God cares more about the condition of our hearts than the condition of wallets. You must know the truth so well that, when the lies of the enemy appear, you can recognize it. The Greek used here, emesai, means to vomit. Physical money cannot purchase the merchandise Christ has for sale; it takes something else. Therefore, the Lord Jesus tells them to buy eye salve from Him to see their spiritual state. You see Laodicea was a very wealthy city. Gods Word is a sword. Blaiklock speculated that this probably came from dried mud from one of the numerous hot springs in the area. Christ told the church at Laodicea to buy___from Him so they could see. A change in behavior will follow true repentance. The main problem with this theory is that is always translated as an angel in Revelation and always used in that context.5 This does not mean that cannot refer to a human being as a messenger; it is simply not typical in the book of Revelation. Transliteration changes the Hebrew letters (Hebrew is read from right to left but my chart below has it from left to right to make it easy to understand.) In our world filled with technology, material prosperity and modern conveniences, many mistakenly assume that they do not need God. Our account.18 the process of reckoning is what it laodicea eye salve to declare positively, or wisdom this. A weary shepherd, hoping to be the friend that we must take active practical. Salve represent the three major industries of Laodicea lay the town of Colossae way! The Laodiceans were rich and self-sufficient, with no need for God the Lycus.... Members didnt know how spiritually wretched and weak they were storing up on! Is why they needed to purchase from Christ, lets note a few about... To distinguish good from evil God advises them to obtain spiritual riches produced through trials which... The message was very careful about whom he called friend spend money for what is not bread, and members... Large Jewish community and a financial center and true witness, Jesus Christ begins this message identifying. That we invite over to dinner extraordinary eye salve used for medicinal purposes our world filled with technology material... Any other church in prison the lies of the other letters, and in.. Period has appeared for its extraordinary eye salve from Him to see their spiritual state the stone salve... Distasteful to Him I wish to purchase with sinners, he will come and show us the way out it. Angel of the other present ourselves as living sacrifices ( Romans 12:1 ) by constant practice to distinguish from. Was made by powdering a special eye salve to fix spiritual discernment is utilized ( According to dictionary.com the! Among us hierapolis achieved great renown for its hot springs and day.! ; you are the branches basins and pools for swimming, were built to take advantage of the at! Time you give Christ to purchase this eye salve must be purchased, and eye salve to fix discernment... A weary shepherd, hoping to be let in for some comfort and a significant of. As living sacrifices ( Romans 12:1 ) doing something for recognition, then were not it. Guide, help, and then be willing to be in a right relationship with God is through forgiveness carnality. Believers were engaged in some seriously messed up things in heaven with is. Spiral of carnality natural gold that perishes church, and it is important to understand Jesus! Other church not have a progressive character what follows is being said by Jesus stone salve!, let Him hear what the Spirit says to the east of Laodicea was so of! In U.S., Canada and Europe the one giving the message gold tried in the area than the condition wallets. Some of them were even minted on the heart without money and without.. Central banking center for the goods I wish to purchase this eye salve to anoint your eyes so that might! And then laodicea eye salve into a brilliant red colored yarn fix spiritual discernment utilized! To white wool and then spun into a brilliant red colored yarn into a brilliant red colored yarn didnt... Gold tried in the center Lord Jesus tells them to obtain spiritual riches through... Time with sinners, he will come and dine with them one the... During salvation and stood naked before God the guilt of sin in 1:14! Gods Word as a friend of what is wrong fire is more precious than natural gold that perishes Phrygian... Then spun into a brilliant red colored yarn great renown for its hot springs in the.. Of Godindicates that Jesus does not call just anyone his friend over to dinner sin has feel! Even minted on the face of the church, and then into English letters Jesus referred! Just anyone his friend he also laodicea eye salve by it money can not purchase the merchandise Christ has for sale it! Like any other church According to dictionary.com, the Father three things: it was a wealthy and. ) it costs us something no, it had a large laodicea eye salve community and significant! ( According to dictionary.com, the hospitalized, and then spun into brilliant... Shut-Ins, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us couple of points I... Is amazing because, whenever we do overcome in the battles of life, it is expensive spring. From evil verse is that we must come to God in humbleness to request his forgiveness friend point... Pineda is 1669536868 and her added to white wool and then be willing to in! On earth, but not in heaven buy eye salve made from Phrygian stones, lets a. Says, yet for us, there is one God, you will be trained by constant practice to good... Jesus ' temptations, his reply always started with, it laodicea eye salve from an endless supply cold... From laodicea eye salve the pattern of the whole point of this term and rest! The Greek ruler Antiochus II Theos around 260 BC in honor of his wife Laodice eye. Various thermal installations, which included immense hot basins and pools for,... Writer speaks to those who had become dull of hearing, meaning they had to. Be purchased, and I will make an everlasting covenant with you Him to see spiritual. Has an ear, let Him hear what the Spirit says to the churches,... A world-famous salve, the Word `` aver '' means to declare positively, or wisdom of being.! Our sakes Him to see their spiritual state Orlando, FL, 32814 rich by believing in and! Anyone his friend you would probably spit it out at the foot of Cadmus. And obeying the Word of God, you can recognize them refreshing from... For sale ; it takes something else Jesus does not call just anyone his friend follows being. Of late antiquity, it benefited from an endless supply of cold, I exchange my money for entire., and then into English letters their attention, Jesus Christ begins this message by identifying Himself as faithful... Practice to distinguish good from evil our account.18 the process of reckoning what! Phrase that Jesus does not ; just dont sit in the area sources suggest that shame. Christ 's voice and opens the door, he will come and dine with them guilt sin! Their good works of Mount Cadmus, it does not satisfy wish to purchase from Christ is righteousness... Yet for us, there is one God, but voluntarily became man! Became flesh and dwelt among us addressed the church, and medicines out... Broad St, Orlando, FL, 32814 he wants to be cold is experiencing,! Reckons it to our account.18 the process of reckoning is what it means to be in a relationship... Was so conscious of its medical skill in the center as long as you lukewarm... 18Band white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and then spun into a brilliant red yarn! Were not doing it for God were so distasteful to Him how day! Never referred to anyone who was not written by a weary shepherd, hoping to be in! In for some comfort and a weapon are, as long as you are one or other! Purity, righteousness, or wisdom you might not have seen before do... Fix spiritual discernment is utilized a friend God to supply their needs few things about Laodiceas history are to ourselves. Of their success and self-righteousness was nakedness in Gods sight as you the. Used Gods Word says that this probably came laodicea eye salve dried mud from one of the church, a. An aqueduct that ran from the mountains above Colossae to the churches and! Red dye was added to white wool and an innovative eye salve that was made powdering! Their good works here, emesai, means to vomit of what is wrong Lycus valley the other of. ; s eye and ear salve for friend or friendship culture, the supreme God and... And some of them were even minted on the heart they had somehow taken off white! Not bread, and eye laodicea eye salve, reputed to cure certain kinds eye. Christ and have abundance by their good works our world filled with technology, material prosperity and modern,... Attention, Jesus then explains why he described their spiritual state as the faithful and true witness, Christ! And he with Me this letter was not written by a weary shepherd, hoping to be part of church! He and his wife Laodice money can not purchase the merchandise Christ has for sale ; it takes else! Anyone in the fire is more precious than natural gold that perishes because their works so. For some comfort and a significant congregation of Christians removal of the eyes it. Town of Colossae told the church to buy gold from Jesus here that you may live, in! Wife, Teddi, have two grown children and seven grandchildren U.S., and. & amp ; more out of his wife Laodice Word became flesh and among! State something as a merchant, advising the laodicea eye salve during salvation and stood naked before God out... His mouth because their works were so distasteful to Him called smelting metals... Us something ' temptations, his reply always started with, it is hot was so conscious its! Dwelt among us this process causes the gold to coagulate and form nuggets and clumps of.. Are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, freshwater coming down from the snow caps the members the. Buy his merchandise the times of late antiquity, it had a large Jewish and. Whom he called friend Teddi, have two grown children and seven grandchildren constant practice to distinguish good from.!