Lukewarm Laodicea Chapter 17

Welcome to this chapter on Laodicea. Through examining the history, location, and discoveries of Laodicea, we can gain a deeper understanding of the negative connotation behind being lukewarm as we can gain valuable insights into the message that was delivered to this city. By analyzing the city's water system identified by archaeology we will challenge the current views of many commentators who see the reference to being hot and cold is related to the Hierapolis hot springs. Wanting hot Christians is one thing but why are cold Christians preferred over lukewarm. Roman practices may provide the answers. Join us as we delve further into the cultural and theological context of Laodicea to uncover the significance of this city and its message.

Join us as we delve further into the cultural and theological context of Laodicea to uncover the significance of this city and its message.

Video Introduction

MESSENGER PREAMBLE FORMULA— 3:14B ..... p. 474

• Description of the suzerain .....p. 475
• The preexistent suzerain: the amen—14b ......p. 475
• The preexistent suzerain: faithful and true—14c ..... p. 476
• The preexistent suzerain: the beginning of God’s creation—14d ..... p. 477

HISTORICAL PROLOGUE—3:15–16A .....p. 478

• The suzerain knows their works—3:15a .....p. 478
• The suzerain knows they are neither cold nor hot—15b ..... p. 479
•     Fig. 165. Hierapolis’ travertine terrace pools.
•     Fig. 166. A cylindrical device (authepsa) for heating water to mix with wine.
•     Fig. 167. Thermopolium in Herculaneu.
•     Fig. 168. Roman bronze wine-strainer.
• The suzerain knows they are lukewarm—3:16a ..... p. 483

SANCTIONS: CURSES—3:16B–17 .....p. 484

• The curse of being spit out of his mouth—3:16b ..... p. 484
• The curse of prosperity—17a .....p. 485
• The curse of not realizing that they are a pitiful wretch—17b ..... p. 486
• The curse of not realizing that they are poor—17b ..... p. 487
• The curse of not realizing that they are blind—17b ..... p. 487
• The curse of not realizing that they are naked—17b ..... p. 487

ETHICAL STIPULATIONS—3:18–19 .....p. 488

• First imperative: Buy from the suzerain—3:18a ..... p. 488
• Second imperative: Buy gold to become rich—18b ..... p. 488
• Third imperative: Buy white garments to hide your nakedness—18c ..... 489
• Fourth imperative: Buy salve to anoint your eyes—18d ..... p. 490
• Fifth imperative: Be zealous—19a .....p. 491
• Six imperative: Repent—19b .....p. 492

SANCTIONS: BLESSING—3:20–21 .....p. 493

• The blessing of the suzerain who knocks—20a ..... p. 493
•     Fig. 169. Oil painting of The Light of the World.
• The blessings of a communion meal—20b ......p. 495
•     Fig. 170. Reproduction of a triclinium (dining room).
•     Fig. 171. The marble Lansdowne throne of Apollo.
• The blessings of sitting with Christ on his throne—21..... p. 500
•     Fig. 172. Special armchair of honor (poedria) at ground level in the theater of Priene.
•     Fig. 173. Roman cameo of Gemma Augustea.
• Conclusion .....p. 502

PROCLAMATION WITNESS FORMULA—3:22..... p. 502

 

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Updated Dec. 17, 2023