“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write.”
Revelation 3:14
Because of its ideal location on multiple trade routes the Laodicean economy was perhaps its most noted distinction and priority. Many businessmen and tourists came to the city. Laodicea was known for its Roman spas and for the thermal baths at nearby Hierapolis. (These waters were considered sacred.)
One of Laodicea’s major industries was garments and textiles. Cotton grown in the are was critical to the garment industry. Adding to that Laodicean farms developed the ability to breed sheep that bore soft, violet-black, glossy wool. This was used to mass produce cheap outer garments which were sold widely across the region. Because of the cotton and wool the skill of dying cloth was developed. A red plant root was used with the water from Hierapolis to turn black fabrics purple. Laodicea became famous as the
premier dyer of purple fabric in the Roman Empire. This cloth was rare and very expensive and typically worn only by the elite . Thus purple cloth was very expensive and added great wealth to the Laodicean economy.
A second major area of expertise was Laodicea’s medical school. Thirteen miles to its west stood a large temple where the medical school was located. Their doctors were so famous that their names appear on some of the Laodicean coins. The medical school was renown throughout the world for two great discoveries. They produced an ointment for the ear and a medicinal powder ointment used to treat the eyes.
Finally Laodicea had many robust businesses so that it became the banking and financial center of Asia Minor. (Rome even permitted it to mint its own silver coins). Laodicea was so rich that when an earthquake destroyed the city in 60 A.D. the city turned down an offer by Rome to rebuild it. Instead the Laodiceans financed their own reconstruction. This self-sufficient attitude entered into the church.. It is no wonder that the Lord will tell the church at Laodicea that it arrogantly thinks it has “need of nothing”.
Thus banking, clothing and eye salve were the Laodicean centers of excellence. The Lord uses all three of these industries that brought the city great pride as He tells the body of believers of their short comings to be what He designed them to be.
Laodicean Leisure The city was also home to many baths, and amphitheaters. Located inside the city was a sports arena which hosted events such as wrestling, boxing, discus and javelin throwing, running competitions as well as animal and gladiator fights. The Laodiceans loved their sports and leisure activities. (Sound familiar?)
The Church. Archaeologists uncovered a large church in Laodicea which took up an entire city block and was decorated with marble floors. It was magnificent in its day. The city was tolerant of religion as long as it did not create problems for the economy. The church at Laodicea learned to adopt with the city’s priorities. The church was very successful (many members, activities and programs) so that it was honored to be a bishopric (seat of a Christian bishop). A Christian council was held there in the fourth century A.D The problem was that the success that the world saw in the church was not valued heaven. Its salt had lost its saltiness and its light was hidden under a bushel.
The Problem The values and attitudes of society molded the thinking of the church. The city of Laodicea had all the facets
necessary for success except one major thing – they wanted peace. Conflict would destroy people’s willingness to buy and sell
and to make money. All the city expected of the church was to be tolerant – be peaceful with the world around it. Instead of the
church transforming the world with the Gospel, the the church became like the world.
What Can We Learn? It is easy to see the parallels of Laodicea to the age we live in. The heavy emphasis on wealth, trade (shopping) and entertainment are evident today. Our world also wants its religion be tolerant (or silent) of all points of view so no one is offended. They want God’s children to make peace with them, they ate not interested in the church’s message of how to make peace with God. That they want keep silent.