In the Book of Revelation, we read these famous words: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me. I will give the victor the right to sit with me on my throne, as I myself first won the victory and sit with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 3:14–22).
This message was written by St. John to the church in Laodicea. In the opening words, St. John introduces Jesus as the “Amen.” This is a divine title. It means that Jesus is true, faithful, and trustworthy. He is the true and perfect witness of God’s glory. He is also described as the beginning or firstborn of all creation. This shows His authority and His close relationship with God the Father From Prosperity to Decline.
A Church That Was Lukewarm
In this message, St. John does not accuse the church in Laodicea of leaving the faith. He does not say that they followed false prophets or worshipped the Roman emperor. Instead, he says that they were “lukewarm.” This was their main problem.
The words “cold,” “hot,” and “lukewarm” are used as a powerful image. St. John knew the region very well. His comparison is connected to the water supply of Laodicea and the nearby cities of Hierapolis (Pamukkale) and Colossae (Honaz).
Hierapolis was famous for its hot springs. The water there was very warm and rich in minerals. Colossae, on the other hand, was known for its cold, fresh mountain water. Both hot and cold water have good uses. Cold water refreshes people in the heat. Hot water can heal and relax the body.
Laodicea, however, did not have its own strong water source. Water was brought to the city from the east through a pipeline that was about seven kilometers long. By the time it reached the city, the water was neither hot nor cold. It was lukewarm and full of minerals. Because the water was so hard, it left thick layers of encrustation inside the stone pipes. These mineral deposits can still be seen today among the ruins Istanbul Walking Tour.
St. John uses this local situation as a metaphor. Just as the water of Laodicea was unpleasant to drink, the faith of the people was not strong or refreshing. It was not cold and it was not hot. It was weak and half-hearted. In the hot summer of Anatolia, lukewarm water is not satisfying. In the same way, a lukewarm faith does not please God.
Rich but Spiritually Poor
The people of Laodicea believed they were rich and successful. The city was known for its wealth, trade, and medical school. The citizens said, “I am rich and have no need of anything.” But spiritually, they were poor. St. John says they were wretched, blind, and naked.
This message would have been very clear to the people. The city was famous for eye medicine, yet they were called blind. It was famous for its fine textiles, yet they were told they were naked. They thought they were strong, but their faith was weak.
A Call to Repentance and Hope
Even though the message is strong, it is full of hope. Jesus says that He stands at the door and knocks. This shows that He does not force anyone. He waits for a response. If someone opens the door, He promises close friendship and fellowship.
He also promises victory. Those who remain faithful will sit with Him on His throne, just as He sits with His Father. The message ends with an invitation: “Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” It is a call to listen, to understand, and to change.
The message to Laodicea is not only for the past. It is a warning and encouragement for believers in every age. It reminds us to have a living, strong faith—not a lukewarm one.
