What do we know about the church in Laodicea?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The church in Laodicea was already established by the middle of the first century, with Paul making reference to it in his letter to the Colossians (Colossians 2:1; 4:13–16). However, the most significant glimpse into its condition comes from Revelation 3:14–22, where Jesus delivers a severe rebuke for being “neither hot nor cold,” exposing a faith that had become spiritually lukewarm and practically ineffective (Revelation 3:15–16). This imagery was not random—it drew directly from Laodicea’s own water supply, which arrived lukewarm due to its source from nearby hot springs, vividly illustrating their compromised spiritual state. The city was also known for its wealth, fine black textiles, and medicinal eye salve, all of which Jesus uses to highlight their true condition: spiritually poor despite their riches, morally naked despite their clothing industry, and spiritually blind despite their ability to heal physical sight (Revelation 3:17–18). In contrast to His other letters, Jesus offers no commendation, only a sobering warning that their current trajectory would lead to rejection if they remained unrepentant (Revelation 3:16). Yet even in this sharp correction, Jesus extends mercy, inviting any who would hear His voice to repent and restore fellowship with Him (Revelation 3:20). Laodicea stands as a cautionary tale for us. We must make sure that we do not just appear like a church outwardly while being spiritually empty inwardly. Instead, we must ensure that our faith is real, alive, and fully devoted to Christ.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The church in Laodicea is not mentioned in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• While the church of Laodicea is not discussed in depth in most of the New Testament, it existed by the middle of the first century, as Paul refers to it in Colossians. Paul never visited there, but he still greatly cared for them (Colossians 2:1–2). The church in Laodicea was also sent some of Paul’s letters, including Colossians, and Paul wrote at least one personal letter to them (Colossians 4:13–16). Thus, we know that there was a growing church there at the time of Paul.
• However, when John wrote the book of Revelation near the end of the first century, the church of Laodicea had declined (Revelation 3:14-22). Unlike Jesus’ other letters to the other churches in that book, He doesn’t say one good thing about the church in Laodicea. Rather, He repeatedly rebukes them, playing off characteristics of their city to illustrate their spiritual bankruptcy.
• The key issue appears to be a lack of practical theology, that is, living out theology in their lives. Jesus called them lukewarm, having works that were “neither cold nor hot” (Revelation 3:15–16). The city’s water, drawn from the hot springs in Hierapolis, was notoriously lukewarm, and Jesus was saying that the church there was likewise lukewarm.
• The city was also known for its banking industry and its abundant gold, which made it wealthy. Jesus said, “You say, ‘I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing,’ not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich” (Revelation 3:17–18a). They had physical wealth but were spiritually bankrupt.
• They were also known for manufacturing black textiles. Jesus, playing on that, said, “buy … white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen” (Revelation 3:18b). White refers to the purity of living righteously. He was saying they needed to figuratively buy white clothes, that is, to live pure.
• Finally, they famously sold medicinal eye salve. Therefore, Jesus said, “buy … salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see” (Revelation 3:18c). They were spiritually blind and needed to take spiritual care of themselves.
• Because of all of this, Jesus said, “So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:16). However, though Jesus was about to remove the church, He held out hope to those in Laodicea saying, “be zealous and repent. 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” (Revelation 3:19b–20).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Laodicea is a lesson in how a church can look good on the outside but be worthless on the inside. Historically, theologians have tried to define the “marks” of a church. While lists vary, there are certain core aspects:

First, a true church is a Bible-believing church. This means more than simply saying Scripture is God’s word. It must include the practice of believing it is fully inerrant, infallible, authoritative, and all that is needed for a godly life (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

Second, a true church is one that faithfully preaches Scripture. While all believers are called to read Scripture, the center of the church must be its preaching ministry as God works through preaching to mature His children (Ephesians 4:11–13).

Third, a true church is an evangelistic church. This means they are obeying Christ’s command to go into the world and make disciples (Matthew 18:19–20). This could range from local outreaches to supporting international missionaries, all of which must primarily focus on clearly presenting the gospel in a particular context.

Fourth, a true church keeps the ordinances of baptism and communion. Jesus commanded that all His disciples be baptized (Matthew 18:19) and instituted communion so that we would unite in proclaiming His death until He returns (1 Corinthians 11:26).

These are just some “marks.” Others include God-honoring worship, fellowshipping, giving, and so forth. Examine your church to make sure it doesn’t just say “church” on the outside, but is actually one inside!

And for us personally, the warning is just as sharp: it is possible to look spiritually “put together” while our hearts grow cold, distracted, or divided. So don’t settle for a faith that only works on the surface—press in, stay honest before God, and let Him keep your devotion real, alive, and fully His.

UNDERSTAND

• The church in Laodicea received the harshest of the seven church letters.
• Jesus rebuked the Laodiceans for being spiritually lukewarm, wealthy yet spiritually bankrupt, and blind to their own condition.
• Despite the severity of the rebuke, Jesus extends hope to any individual within the  Laodicean church who would hear His voice, repent, and open the door to Him.

REFLECT

• In what ways might your own spiritual life reflect the Laodicean condition: outwardly prosperous and comfortable yet inwardly lukewarm and blind to your own spiritual poverty?
• How does Jesus' use of the city's characteristics to rebuke the church challenge you to consider how the cultural and material comforts of your own context might be used to define your "spiritual temperature"?
• How does the fact that Jesus rebukes those He loves (Revelation 3:19) change the way you receive correction and discipline in your own life?

ENGAGE

• What does the absence of any commendation in Jesus' letter to Laodicea (unique among the seven letters) reveal about the particular danger of a Christianity that is comfortable and culturally accommodated?
• What warning signs might indicate that a congregation is drifting toward Laodicean lukewarmness?
• How should the reality that Jesus still calls Laodicea to repent reshape the way we approach people or churches that appear spiritually stagnant or complacent—what does faithful warning and hope look like together?