Keraia
Revelation 3

Revelation 3:14

To the Church in Laodicea · Revelation 3:14–22
Read Revelation 3

Translations

Modern
To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God’s creation.
Traditional
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
Literal
And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These things says the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of God's creation.
Latin
Et angelo Laodiciæ ecclesiæ scribe: Hæc dicit: Amen, testis fidelis et verus, qui est principium creaturæ Dei.

Original

Greek
English
To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God’s creation.

Notes

Revelation 3:14

  • Laodicea was located 65 kilometers (40 miles) southeast of Philadelphia. It was the economic and judicial center of a region that included Colossae and Hierapolis. The people of Laodicea were proud of their independence. After a severe earthquake in AD 60, Laodicea refused help from Rome and rebuilt their city on their own, making it very beautiful (Tacitus, Annals 14.27).

  • Amen: Used as an oath, "Amen" is a promise of truth (Isaiah 65:16). Jesus represents the truth (John 8:32; 14:6), and his message is confirmed by the truthfulness and reliability of his word.

  • The description of Christ as the faithful and true witness shows that he knew them as they truly were. Although they were wealthy and proud of their status and achievements, they did not meet God’s expectations.

Revelation 3:14–22

The letter to the church in Laodicea warns Christians who are lukewarm, meaning they are not fully committed to Christ. Their inconsistent lives show loyalty only to themselves. Their behavior is so displeasing to Christ that he is ready to reject them, as if spitting them out of his mouth.

Revelation 2:1–3:22

The seven messages to the seven churches show the condition of Christ's church when Revelation was written, and it is similar today. God still calls Christians to be faithful and honest. Those who listen to Christ's message will receive God's promised rewards. Those who do not will face judgment.

Parallels

Colossians 2:1–5

Places

Laodicea: A city in Asia Minor

Glossary

Amen Ancient Letter Writing Angels of the Seven Churches Book of Revelation New Creation, New Creature

Topics

Amen: A Title of Christ Angel of the Churches: General Scriptures Concerning Church: Backslidden Church: List of Congregations of Christians: Laodicea Jesus, the Christ: Creator Jesus, the Christ: King Jesus, the Christ: Names, Appellations, and Titles of: Amen Jesus, the Christ: Names, Appellations, and Titles of: Beginning and End of the Creation of God Jesus, the Christ: Names, Appellations, and Titles of: Faithful and True Witness, The Jesus, the Christ: Prophecies Concerning the Future Glory and Power of Jesus, the Christ: Prophet: Faithful Laodicea: Message To, Through John Lukewarmness: Laodicea the Prophet Christ: Faithful to his Trust Titles and Names of Christ: Amen Titles and Names of Christ: Beginning of the Creation of God Titles and Names of Christ: Faithful Witness