Minor Characters In Revelation 3

In Revelation 3, Christ is pictured as standing among a group of seven candle stands (Rev. 1:12-16). These lampstands represent seven churches of ancient Asia Minor (Rev. 1:4, 20). The last church referenced as one of these is the church at Laodicea (Rev. 3:14). John, the author of the book, is instructed to write letters to each of the church and proved them with the messages which he would be given (Rev. 1:17-19). Christ is recognized as the One among the candle stands and is called by the prophetic name “Son of Man (Rev 1:13). This is the same name Daniel used of the one before the Ancient of Days (Dan. 7:13). R. G. Gruenler explains that Jesus’s use of this title clearly reflects His “messianic self-consciousness.” Merrill Tenney teaches

3:14). He is aware of the actions of the Laodicea church (Rev. 3:14-15). These activities have yielded no results and Christ admonishes then and just being “lukewarm (Rev. 3:15-16). Laodicea was the wealthiest of all the cites mentioned and supported finance, industry and medical sectors creating a strong feeling of self-dependency. This reference to lukewarm water would have been a recognizable trait of the city since the city lacked a usable water supply and had to be piped via an aqueduct from the spring south of Laodicea. Christ rejections this apathy with the image of the water being spit out (Rev. 3:16). The indication is that the spitting out is a rejection of their self-righteousness and feeling of self-sufficiency. They have no spiritual zeal or commitment. The church is in a wealthy state and has no desire for material positions, but in reality and unknowingly, they are worthless and

(Rev. 3:18). In the passage, each of these describe the need for certain improvements. The gold representative of the gospel to prevent spiritual poverty. Through their own efforts they felt that they had all the material resources they needed, but they were lacking in spiritual resources.

The garment symbolizes righteousness and Rev 19:8 explains that fine linen represent the righteous acts of the saints. Donald Barnhouse teaches that the Laodicean is naked because they are not producing good works. The city was well known for its textile industry. It was famous for a black glossy wool that as used to produce black robes and carpets. This statement was is in direct contrast to what the world would see as naked. Instead they were spiritually naked.

Laodicea was famous for its medical school and a power used for eye salve. The eye ointment in this passage is an allusion to correcting their vision in order to properly see the truth of just as God sees the world around them. The reference to anointing is also seen as an allusion to the need for Holy Spirit’s involvement and not a self-reliance if their own might and wealth. Tenney says in the later days when compliancy, discouragement, fear, negligence, and a “mediocre set of values” jeopardize the very existence of the church, this principles will be