The best way to study Revelation is through “first-century glasses.” We must understand what the author had in mind and understand what those to whom he wrote understood the author to say.
Let’s go to the region of Asia Minor; to the Roman Empire of the first and second centuries A.D.; where we find the churches that were the primary and immediate audience for the Revelation.
The Roman Empire was the largest, the most powerful and the richest empire the world had ever known. The Romans were proud that the Roman Eagles (standards representing the Roman armies) never turned backward and that the Empire would be eternal with all roads leading to or from Rome.
Although Rome was a mighty empire, it was a divided empire. Many had attempted to unite it, but none was successful until Rome declared the empire to be divine and its emperor also divine, being Lord and God. All were to worship the emperor and declare the empire over which he ruled, divine. Only the Jews were exempt from emperor worship. The Romans recognized the Jews as a monotheistic people of long standing, who were very important to the welfare of the Roman world.
For Christians, the situation was different. By the time of Revelation, the Romans considered Christians atheists because they refused to worship the Greek and Roman gods and goddesses, and the Roman emperor and empire. The Romans judged them to be a “third race” because their way of life was far different from the Greeks and Romans and other polytheistic people of the Greco-Roman worlds. Paul’s letter to the church in Rome gives us an idea of what Rome was like at this time.
War between the church and the Empire began locally in Rome with the persecution of the Christians by the Emperor Nero after the burning of Rome in A.D. 64. Nero used the Christians as a scapegoat to turn away accusations that he had burned Rome himself. Around A.D. 90, 4 years after he became emperor, Domitian, who was considered by some to be Nero reincarnated, began another persecution and that one was far reaching.
For the first time in the history of the Roman Empire, the emperor of the Roman world demanded that all his subjects worship him as Lord and God and the Roman Empire as divine. Those who refused were burned at the stake, or thrown to the lions. Some, such as John, had the lesser punishment of being exiled. As we know, John was exiled to Patmos which is on the route between Rome and Ephesus. Under Domitian, Ephesus received a new imperial temple. In the province of Asia at the time of Domitian all the prerequisites were present for a major conflict between Christianity and the state cult.
This battle between the church and the empire was to last 300 years.
Jesus had assured His disciples that:
Matthew 16:18
--- I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
but at this time in history it didn’t appear this was going to be the case.
When Domitian was assassinated in A.D. 96, Nerva succeeded to the kingdom by appointment of the senate and recalled all who had been banished. Nerva is considered the first of the Five Good Emperors.
The five good emperors were a series of five emperors of the
Roman Empire who ruled in the
2nd century A.D. They were known for their moderation and their reign corresponds to the period known as the
Pax Romana. Lasting from AD
96 to
180, these emperors were
Nerva,
Trajan,
Hadrian,
Antoninus Pius, and
Marcus Aurelius. The period of the Five Good Emperors was particularly notable for the peaceful method of succession. Each emperor chose his successor, thus preventing the political turmoil associated with the succession either before and after this period.
Historical writers, such as Eusebius, said John returned to Ephesus, and regulated all the teaching of the church, holding many conferences, and reminding them of what the Lord had said to them each.
Tertullian of North Africa observed, “The blood of the martyrs has become the seed of the church.”
Rev. 11:15
--- there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever."
Bob Prichard wrote: The book of Revelation is a book of victory. It teaches that the commander-in-chief of the greatest army ever marshaled on the fields of war will at last place the flag of victory on the everlasting hills of conquest when the church of God will have triumphed, when time will become eternity and earth, heaven.
This is the message of Revelation: the assurance of the triumph of the kingdom of God.
Rev. 3:14-22
[14] "And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation.
[15] " 'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! [16] So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. [17] For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. [18] I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. [19] Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. [20] Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. [21] The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. [22] He who has an ear let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.' "
Jesus referred to himself as “the faithful and true witness.” This thought is also expressed in the word “Amen.” In Colossians Jesus is referred to as being in the creation with the Father. Having John write that he was the “beginning of the creation of God” would have impressed the Laodiceans that he had the divine authority to command; obedience was necessary, not an option.
Laodicea was founded between 261 and 253 BC by Antiochus II, one of the Seleucid kings who ruled Syria after the death of Alexander the Great and was named for his wife Laodice. It was more accurately known as Laodicea on-the-Lycus to distinguish it from at least six other cities with the same name. The city eventually became part of the kingdom of Pergamum and later it became a Roman possession. With Ephesus 40 miles to the west it was one of three cities in the Lycus River valley-- Colossae was 10 miles to the east and Hierapolis, famous for its thermal baths, was 6 miles to the north. At one time there was a church in Hierapolis under the care of Epaphras. Epaphras worked with the church at Colossae and at Laodicea and some folks believe he established the church in Colossae. He is also mentioned in the Letter to Philemon where Paul calls him his “fellow-prisoner.”
In the 1st century A.D. the city had a large Jewish population which formed the nucleus of the early Christian community. This large Jewish population is thought to have been a key to Laodicea’s prosperity. The regular policy of Seleucid kings had been to offer free citizenship to all Jews, who brought money and trade to every city in which they settled. Josephus mentions that the Jews were so powerful in Laodicea that they successfully appealed to the Roman governor for the right to follow their own customs and laws, including the Sabbath. Paul wrote a letter to the church at Laodicea but it was lost. Imagine a Bible study on the book of Laodiceans!
The church in Laodicea was the last of the Asian churches addressed by John in Revelation, and it has the unenviable distinction of being the only one about which he had nothing good to say. Even dead Sardis had a faithful remnant.
Laodicea was a wealthy city. It was an important banking center and a great manufacturing center. Eye salve was one of the main products made there. It was known for the fine black wool of its sheep. It was one of the great cities of the empire.
At a very early period it became one of the chief seats of Christianity. It is now a deserted place…. It can happen to anyplace.
Paul mentioned Laodicea in his letter to the church in Colossae.
Colossians 2:1
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face,
Colossians 4:15-16
Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. [16] And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.
The works of Laodicea are not seen in their actions but in their attitudes of which the creator of everything disapproves.
Rev. 3:17
For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing…
They were so well off, they felt they did not need help from man and could do without God.
The one drawback to Laodicea's location was its lack of a local water supply. It had neither the cool well water of nearby Colossae nor the healing hot water springs of Hierapolis across the Lycus valley. Water had to be piped in via an aqueduct. Archeologists have found remnants of the city water tower with the pipes that carried water through the city and many of the pipes are clogged with minerals. By the time the water arrived it was tepid--neither hot nor cold. The city's warm mineral water was great for healing baths but nauseating to drink. Jesus' metaphor comparing the church to the city's lukewarm, stale tasting water would have been easily understood by the Christians of Laodicea. Their apathy and complacency made Jesus sick.
Laodicea was very pleasure-conscious, with a huge stadium and two lavish theaters. The city was noted throughout the Roman province of Asia for its wealth. As the banking center of the province, it was the most prosperous of the seven cities. So wealthy were the citizens of Laodicea that when their city was destroyed by an earthquake in 60 A.D., they refused aid offered by Rome and rebuilt the city at their own expense. Just 80 years earlier Laodicea and 11 other Asian cities were destroyed by an earthquake and Laodicea had accepted Emperor Tiberius’s offer for Rome to help them rebuild. Now they didn’t need or want Rome’s help. This rare example of self-sufficiency made the city famous. Because of their situation the statement, "I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing," is another pointed reference. Like the rich fool, they had it made financially, but they were not rich toward God.
Churches today need to heed this warning. We too are rich --- far richer that we realize --- and this is when we become susceptible to lukewarmness.
Laodicea also derived its wealth from the fertility of the surrounding countryside and its textile industry; as it was famous for its black cloth. This cloth was manufactured from the glossy-black wool produced in the valley, which was said to be very soft, almost like silk. Clothing made from this wool was expensive and highly prized. The Laodiceans wore black garments with pride. But, in his letter Jesus advised the Christians of the city to buy the "white clothes" of purity and righteousness. While well-dressed the Laodiceans stood before Jesus spiritually naked.
Just thirteen miles west of Laodicea, there was a temple of the Phyrgian god Men which had a medical school. Its most famous medicines were an ointment made from spice nard, which strengthened the ears, and Phyrgian powder, obtained by crushing Phrygian stone, which was used for eyes. It was said to cure weak eyes and was exported in tablet form throughout the Mediterranean. The Laodiceans took great pride in their medical skill, and thought they were curing the blindness of others but they were blind to their own spiritual blindness. Jesus appeals to them to buy salve from him so they might have better spiritual vision
Why did Jesus use such strong language in addressing these poor, naked blind, lukewarm disciples? He answers:
Rev. 3:19
Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline…
There is no praise for the Laodiceans, only criticism and condemnation. Jesus identifies this as a time of peace and prosperity, where no outward physical attacks threaten the believers, which has caused the church in Laodicea to be indifferent and complacent. They went from being lazy, to apostasy, to persecution of the faithful remnant of the true Church; Laodicea is the epitome of a church gone astray. Nothing survives today of the once famous Church of Laodicea.
The members of the church in Laodicea were not cold to the work of the Lord; neither were they hot; neither were they up and doing; they were indifferent.
The Christian who has become “cold” knows where he is. Although he is unwilling to repent and return to the Lord, he knows exactly where he is and what he needs to do. The lukewarm Laodiceans did not know where they were. The lukewarm person is in a precarious spiritual condition because he is oblivious to his situation.
A lukewarm church or person is one that compromises with the world and resembles its surrounding society, professes Christianity, yet in reality is spiritually wretched and miserable. We should remember who the church is when we deal with the word lukewarm. Jesus is disturbed when he is dealing with a people He can neither use nor bless. The church in Laodicea didn't oppose him but they didn't draw close to him either. Lukewarm people are not acceptable as followers.
The Laodiceans were like the servant who, when asked to go and work in his vineyard, said, "I go, and went not." They claimed to be Christians, but they were not doing the will of their Heavenly Father. It would be better for the kingdom of God if the lukewarm church or person would deny Christ completely. Jesus warns such churches and people that he will reject them.
There are many lukewarm Christians. They don’t really care what the church does. They aren’t concerned about the decisions of the elders, about the sermons of the preacher, about the songs selected by the song leader. They are an unconcerned congregation. They don’t want to be involved. They like to be uncommitted, unattached. Lukewarm members don’t care if they attend church services or not. They don’t care what the church does. They want to be left alone in a crowd and they don’t want the elders, or the preacher or other members checking on them.
How about these as characteristics of lukewarm people and a lukewarm church?
half committed to Jesus:
half committed to proclaiming Jesus, the Son of God:
half committed to evangelism and missions:
half committed to stressing holy and pure living:
half committed to self denial and sacrificial living:
half committed to the church:
half committed to attending the services of the church:
half committed to supporting the church:
half committed to Bible study:
10. half committed to prayer.
When a congregation is growing and has many baptisms, we say they must be doing the right things. When a church is not growing and there are no baptisms we say the world just isn’t interested. When children grow up to be Christians we say the parents must have done the right things or they were lucky. When children grow up and want nothing to do with the church we say the children just weren’t interested or we blame their friends. The Word of God is either powerful or it is not. Which is it?
Most of us feel that God would never reject us, that in the final analysis God will eventually accept us into what ever kind of heaven exists. But that is not true. He says the Laodiceans would be better off if they made no profession at all.
As bad as their lukewarmness was, there were even more problems in Laodicea:
[17] For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.
They were not only lukewarm but they also thought they didn’t need anything spiritually. They were satisfied. Their attitude was “We have arrived!” There is nothing else for us to do.”
There are many people like that. They have little Bible knowledge, and they are completely satisfied with that little bit. They are satisfied with their prayers, their church attendance, with their church activities. When preachers or Bible School teachers or song leaders, or elders, or, in fact, any of us become satisfied with themselves and their spiritual lives, they are in bad condition.
The Laodiceans had beautiful clothes but were spiritually naked. They had gold in the bank but it was not tested spiritual gold. They had eye salve from the factories but it couldn’t cure their self-satisfied spiritual lives. They needed spiritual eye salve so they might see.
[18] I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.
The individual who is satisfied, feeling comfortable and respectable in their religion is the hardest person of all to arouse and set on fire for Jesus.
We are either lukewarm or hot. Are we on fire as a church for God or are we lukewarm? Are we individually on fire for God or are we lukewarm? Apollos was a fervent Christian as we all should be. We should have an unquenchable burning love for God. Paul was zealous and so was Jesus, and Phineas. "Zealous" can be translated "godly jealous," and is a characteristic of the Father. We should be totally committed to God, not half way, not being "half-hearted."
God wants a Christian to be genuine, all the way or not at all.
Instead, Laodiceans straddled the fence.
Christians must learn how to live and articulate their faith in a sometimes-hostile society. Jesus commanded:
Matthew 28:19
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
He intends for us to:
1 Peter 3:15-16
--- in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect ---
John wrote to the church at Laodicea: In Rev. 3:20-21
[20] Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. [21] The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne."
What makes this picture of Jesus unique is that God is seeking man. No other religion has the vision of God seeking man.
We, like the Laodiceans, have been blessed with far more than our share of the good things of life. The danger is that this will blind us to our need for God, and we will become spiritually poverty-stricken as the Laodiceans. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who seeks us. He wants us to be His disciples. He stands at the door knocking, but he will never force His way. We have to open the door.
How do you define lukewarm?
