27. The Kingdom Parables – The Seventh – The Dragnet – Part 3 Of 6 Series

27. THE KINGDOM PARABLES – THE SEVENTH – THE DRAGNET – PART 3 OF 6

THE DRAGNET - LAODICEA BACKGROUND AND LETTER

In every Parable of the Kingdom, we have seen that each Parable remarkably fitted the church from Revelation chapters 2 and 3 that matched that Parable. I will not revise the previous 6 parables, but in coming to this last parable, the Dragnet, we arrive at the last church and that is LAODICEA. The letter fits both Town and History.

[H]. BACKGROUND FOR LAODICEA THE CITY

Laodicea was a city located in the western part of Asia Minor, with its ruins near present-day Denizli, about 150 km east of Ephesus. Originally known as Diospolis and Rhoas, it was reconstructed in the third century B.C. by Seleucid King Antiochus II, who renamed it after his wife, Laodice. Positioned in the fertile Lycus River valley, Laodicea was a crucial hub at the crossroads of significant trade routes, connecting it to other major cities such as Ephesus, Pergamum, and Philadelphia.

Because Laodicea was situated where highways meet, it became an important commercial and financial centre of wealthy bankers and financiers. The city thrived as a centre for manufacturing and banking, a testament to its substantial wealth.

This is exemplified by the fact that following severe earthquake damage during Emperor Nero’s reign, Laodicea managed to rebuild itself without financial aid from Rome, as noted in Tacitus’ “Annals,” though some think the city received financial aid from Emperor Tiberius.

Laodicea was renowned for its glossy black wool and the high-quality garments produced from it.

However, Laodicea faced a significant challenge regarding its water supply. Unlike its neighbours, Hierapolis with its therapeutic hot springs, and Colossae with its invigorating cold water, Laodicea had no direct water source. Water was transported over long distances, being piped in from aqueducts originating from hot springs and arriving lukewarm, through an aqueduct initially and subsequently via cubical stone blocks that were hollowed out and joined with cement.

Beautiful buildings, luxurious baths and shopping centres were part of this wonderful city. Caravan routes came from distant places and trading was paramount.

The city was well known for its school of medicine and the range of ointments produced there, particularly one for use on the ear. It was famous too for an eye powder, which was mixed with water to become a paste, and then smeared on the eyes as a cure for various ophthalmic diseases. It likely manufactured the renowned Phrygian powder, an eye medicine. Asclepius, the god of medicine, was among the principal deities worshipped there.

The city also had a substantial Jewish population. Records, including a letter from Laodicean officials cited by Josephus in “Jewish Antiquities,” indicate that under the directive of Gaius Rabirius, Jews were permitted to observe their Sabbaths and other sacred customs. The wealth among Laodicean Jews is inferred from an episode where Governor Flaccus seized their temple contributions, amounting to over 20 pounds of gold, destined for Jerusalem.

Archaeological excavations have revealed much about the layout and life in ancient Laodicea. The city was meticulously planned with a square street grid, featuring sophisticated urban elements such as:

• Numerous gates and broad streets designed for easy access and robust trade.

• Temples, bathhouses, and public buildings that illustrate the city’s cultural and social life.

• Two theatres and a stadium, indicating a rich tradition of entertainment and public gatherings.

• A central market (agora), which was the heart of commercial activities.

• An advanced water distribution system, showcasing engineering prowess.

These findings not only highlight the city’s architectural and urban planning achievements but also its role as a significant economic hub.

The city was affluent, with interest only in the material. It was a proud and self-satisfied city, well aware of its economic status. The word Laodicea means, “Rule by the People” or “The People Rule” or we could say, “Anything goes”. We have already seen in all the previous churches in the studies that the name is very significant. The name always matched the condition, just as it does here as well in Laodicea.

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[I]. THE LETTER TO THE CHURCH AT LAODICEA. A CAREFUL EXAMINATION

As we have done with all the churches we examine the letter it received and see how that connected with its corresponding parable and later on with its position in Church History. We begin:-

[[A]]. THE LORD IS SUPREME

{{Revelation 3:14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, THE FAITHFUL AND TRUE WITNESS, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this:”}}

This was a very lax church with no good commendation for it. It was a disgrace to Christ, so what does the opening statement tell us? Firstly, Christ is called “THE AMEN” and that means this - “Amen” (Hebrew: ?????, ?amen) is a transliteration from the Hebrew language meaning “truly,” “so be it,” or “faithful.” It is iterating the fact that Christ is faithful in the face of the church’s unfaithfulness.