2BC BIBLE STUDY NOTES
Wednesday in the Word
Second Baptist Church
December 6, 2023
Revelations 3:14-22 & 4:1-11
Verse 14a. This is the seventh letter to the seven churches. This letter is sent to the congregation located in Laodicea. The city of Laodicea was closely connected to two other cities Colossae and Hierapolis and was the southernmost of the seven cities who received letters. It lay about 40 miles southeast of Philadelphia and 90 miles east of Ephesus. Laodicea was the chief city of Phrygia in the Lycus valley, strategically located where three highways converged. It was thereby a highly commercial and wealthy city. It was a city of wealthy bankers and financiers. The many millionaires combined to build theaters, a huge stadium, lavish public baths, and fabulous shopping centers. The city was known as a strategic banking center. They used their own wealth to pay for the reconstruction of the city after a devastating earthquake in A.D. 60, rejecting offers of financial aid from Rome. The city was also famous for the soft, black wool it produced and its ancient medicine, particularly an eye salve/balm. All three industries — finance, wool, and eye salve — came into play in this letter. Laodicea’s water supply was also relevant to the message in this letter as the water had to travel several miles through an underground aqueduct before reaching the city. Therefore, oftentimes the water arrived foul, dirty, and tepid — lukewarm, just like the people in the church.
Verse 14b. This is the only letter where the titles for Christ are not drawn from chapter 1. Christ identifies himself in three ways in this verse. (1) "the Amen,” (2) faithful and true witness, (3) Beginning (Principle or Source) of God's creation.
Let's look at the first title: "the Amen." The Hebrew word is an acrostic formed from the first letters of three Hebrew words: "E1 meleck Ne'eman" which means "God is a trustworthy king." (Source =The Jewish Talmud; Shabbat 1196). The word Amen is a reminder that God will do what he says. “The Amen” is from a root meaning “to be firm, stable, sure, established, and trustworthy.” It is used in Isaiah 65:16 of God as “the God of truth,” literally, “the God of Amen.” The word was used to acknowledge and emphasize what was valid, sure and true, or important and significant. It is used in the Old Testament as a liturgical formula in which a congregation or individual accepts both the validity of an oath or curse and its consequences (Num. 5:22; Deut. 27:15; Neh. 5:13; Jer. 11:5). Twenty-five times, always in the gospel of John, John records the Lord’s use of this word, amhn, translated as, “truly truly, I say to you.” Here in Revelation 3:14, the “amen” is explained with the words, “the Faithful and True Witness.” “Amen” also connoted the idea of finality or the last word; is used of our Lord as the True One, the last word and final authority in everyone’s life as well as for the entire world. As used of Christ, it points to Him as the end, the finality and certainty of all things. With Him one needs no substitutes, no subtractions, or additions. With Jesus Christ there is no further search needed for truth for in Him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:3).
(2) "the faithful and true Witness": He is a faithful witness because He is an infallible, authoritative witness and we can eternally depend completely upon His word!
"the Source of God's creation" (New American): The Greek uses the word 'arche' for ‘source’ which in Greek can mean origin as well as ruler or supreme authority. Christ is both the Origin and the Ruler of all creation (See Col. 1:15-18, John 1:13, Genesis 1:1-3, and John 1:1). Basically, he has complete knowledge of all created things.
The One who bears testimony against the church at Laodicea is the Trustworthy king, the guarantor of the covenant, the infallible, true witness who comes with all the authority promised by the Creator and King of the Universe. They will not need to get a second opinion about their spiritual condition.
Verses 15-18. Like the church at Sardis, Laodicea was suffering from complacency. But this church was also spiritually arrogant in its worldly success. It was the only church Christ did not commend for anything. Laodicea’s spiritual works are described as neither cold nor hot (3:15-16). This may refer to the water supply available in Laodicea and two nearby cities, Hierapolis and Colossae. Hierapolis was the site of hot, spa-like waters, used for medicinal purposes. Nearby Colossae was known for its cold and pure drinking water. But the waters of Laodicea were considered nauseous and undrinkable, not useful for any meaningful purpose. Like the city’s water supply, the church is useless in its service to the Lord, and Christ is about to spit it from his mouth. The church does not show forth the power of Christ and the Holy Spirit. Cold running water is not a usual place for bacteria to grow, and hot water kills bacteria, but lukewarm water is just right for bacteria growth that causes people to be sick. The church was far from the living water it desperately needed from him (John 4:10-14); 7:38-39).
The church thought of itself as rich and in need of nothing from Christ. Although many of the members may have been materially rich, the “wealth” it claimed needed would be spiritual. The members needed to buy true riches in the areas of life where they felt they had no lack. This is explained in metaphorical terms as gold refined in the fire (3:18). Christ is the refiner of the human soul, which he purifies as the refiner does gold (Malachi 3:3). What needed refining was Laodicea’s faith so that it would become genuine (1 Peter 1:7). They had gold in their city in large quantities, and they were aware that gold had to be refined before it was of any use. In the same way they had to be refined so that the impurities of their sinful soul could be purged out.
Laodicea also needed white clothes to cover its spiritual nakedness (3:18). White garments are used as a symbol of righteousness throughout Revelation (3:4, 5; 4:4; 6:11; 7:9, 13-14; 19:14). They also represent the proper apparel to wear at important festivities. The church cannot gain the righteousness of Christ through its own effort. The white garments are spoken of as given to the saints (6:11; 19:8). They are made white by being washed in the justifying blood of the Lamb (7:14). Without the white garments of righteousness, the church is spiritually naked. Nakedness is a symbol of spiritual shame and worthlessness (Ezekiel 16:35; 2 Corinthians 5:3). The city was known for its beautiful black wool, but that wool could only cover the outside. They needed something that could cover their sins on the inside.
The Laodicean church was spiritually blind. Its members thought they could see — thought that they were rich and without any needs. But Christ counseled them to apply a spiritual eye-salve so that they could see how far they had fallen. The city was known for its eye remedies, but those remedies could only allow one to see the outside and physical not the inside and spiritual.
The Lord basically tells them that they think they are rich, but they are poor spiritually. They think they are dressed well, but they are naked spiritually. They think they can see clearly, but they are blind spiritually. Their only solution is to come to him for true riches, true coverings, and true sight.
Verses 19-20. Jesus shares his love, by stating that he only corrects those whom he loves. This church is rebuked because of the love of God and not his anger. Jesus tells the church that now is the time to repent. The image of Christ standing outside and knocking may also imply that the Laodiceans have locked him out of their church! But the metaphor is also a symbol of promise. Christ is waiting outside, hoping the Laodiceans will be open to his correction and change their ways. If they do, he will come in and share a meal with them. The fellowship meal figures prominently as a symbol of togetherness with Christ in the kingdom (19:9). This is a call to fellowship with the Savior. As an invitation to believers who have forgotten what the mission of the church is, it’s a call to repent, as commanded in verse 19. It is a call for confession of one’s sins with a renewal of mind and heart to continue to draw upon the glorious life of Christ daily through walking by the Spirit and living in the Word. It means abiding in Christ, the vine (John 15:1-7; 1 John 1:7-10; Eph. 4:20-24; 5:14-18; Rom. 8:1-16).
Verse 21-22. The final promise for those who trust Christ — a place on Christ’s throne, the symbol of his ruling authority (3:21). If the members of the church repent, they can eat and drink at Christ’s table in his kingdom and sit on thrones of judgment (Luke 22:30).
Chapter 4, Verses 1-2. In this chapter we are going to see John’s view of the throne of God. It is a glorious image. The phrase “alter these things” signals the beginning of a new section of Revelation which reveals the terrifying events that will take place in the future including the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D., fall of the Roman empire and end times. This is the main section of the book and runs through 22:5. John was given a vision of heaven (cf. Ezek 1:1). In this supernatural vision he saw “a door standing open in heaven” and he heard a voice “like the sound of a trumpet.” We must pay close attention throughout the remainder of the book to note when John uses the word “like” (nine times in this chapter). John is not saying that the voice is a trumpet. Rather, he is saying that it is an authoritative voice “like” a shrill trumpet blast— powerful, dominating, overpowering, compelling, victorious. John states that he saw a door opening. The door signifies entrance by way of revelation into heaven. The command "Come up” refers to the change in scene for John who is about to get a glimpse of the heavenly throne and of events that will take place in the future. We are not sure of how much in the future, but these were events that were to be seen as in the future of those who were the original receivers of this letter.
Verse 3. John sees the throne and a person sitting (symbolizing reigning) on the throne. The being John sees on the throne has the appearance of jasper and ruby. The image would be a brilliant crystal red appearance. The "jasper and ruby stone" were the most precious of all stones. The beauty of God was so dazzling that John could not describe Him. John can only use the things he knows to describe what he saw. The jasper was the last and the ruby the first stone in the breastplate worn by the high priest, Exodus 28:17-20. These stones are in the foundation of the New Jerusalem, Revelation 21:19-20. The diamond and ruby are meant by these stone. These stones are known for their clearness and brightness. There was a diamond between the breastplate and the heart of the high priest. The name engraved on this stone, I believe, is the unspeakable name of God Almighty. The diamond stone next to the heart stood for purity and mercy. The emerald is another precious stone, green in color. Green means "earthly or of the earth.” The emerald was also part of the breastplate, and of the foundation of New Jerusalem. The value of these three different stones is greater than other stones. These are classified as precious stones and are very expensive. This rainbow is green (earthly) to show the covenant between God and man. The first rainbow mentioned was a sign of a promise from God to man. God would never again destroy the earth by water. Sometimes it is called a bow, and sometimes a rainbow. The rainbow encircles the throne as a constant reminder to God and man of the covenant. This is a beautiful sight to behold.
Verse 4. John now shows us what was near the throne. It is my opinion that John sees is a picture of the angels that sit near the throne. This picture of 24 thrones and 24 elders is a beautiful picture that draws us back to the Old Testament. Let us take a look at a few scriptures (Exodus 25:9, Hebrews 8:5, Exodus 25:40, 1 Chronicles 24:1-4, 1 Chronicles: 24:19). The twenty-four courses of priests serving in the earthly Temple were patterned after the twenty-four priests who minister in the heavenly sanctuary. 1) The heavenly tabernacle was the pattern for the earthly. Therefore the 24 elders, who are a priestly class of angels, were the pattern for the Levitical rotation of priests. 2) Angels wear white garments and crowns symbolize authority and position. 3) Each heavenly particular of John's vision -- the throne, four living creatures, and millions of angels are interpreted as literal. Therefore, there is no biblical precept for spiritualizing the 24 elders as anything but 24 elders. Around God's throne are four cherubim, twenty-four elders, and one hundred million angels. The twenty-four elders of Revelation are a priestly order of angels which served as a pattern for the priestly rotation who ministered in Solomon's Temple. Exodus 25:17-19. Everything associated with the earthly tabernacle was patterned alter the heavenly sanctuary. See Hebrews 8:5. There is a hierarchy of angels. There are angels, archangels, cherubim and seraphim. Each of these classes of angels has different functions. The cherubim surround the throne of the Almighty, the twenty-four elders surround the throne and the cherubim, and beyond the inner circle are a myriad of angels. Obviously, the 24 elders do not offer up atonement offerings or sacrifices for sin. But their function is related to the earthly priesthood patterned after them.
Verse 5. John shares what he sees; now John shares what he hears as well. The "lightning and thundering" showed the majesty and awesomeness of God. Lightning, earthquakes, and thundering throughout the Bible have been an outward proclamation of God. Even at the foot of Mount Sinai the people were afraid of God, because of just such manifestations. The "seven lamps" are a symbolic number covering all the workings of the Spirit of God. The seven spirits of God refer to the seven eyes of the Lord or characteristics of God. (Zech. 4:10 and Isaiah 11:2) "the seven Spirits" mean the entirety of the power of the Spirit is manifest there at the throne. Fire throughout the Bible has been symbolic of God, as in the burning bush, Exodus 3:2. In Hebrews 12:28-29, we are told to serve God with reverence and Godly fear, because God is a consuming fire. Once again, the idea is an awesome image of God.
Verses 6-8a. In front of the thrown was a sea of glass or crystal. Most likely this is symbolic of the idea that the only way to God is through purity. The clear transparent path to the throne shows that the way to God is through holiness. Those who would approach the throne must be holy and pure. Also in the center with the throne are four living creatures (angels) that have a powerful appearance. All around the throne were the four beasts. Probably a little better translation would have been living ones. The number "four" shows the universality of these beasts or living beings. In Isaiah 6:2-13 and in Ezekiel 1:5-28, these living beings are also called "seraphim" and “cherubim.” These beasts, or living beings, surrounding the throne are full of eyes which means their wisdom was overwhelming. The 4 Beasts or living Creatures are probably angels who guard the throne of God. The eyes symbolize wisdom, and the wings depict movement. They worship God as did the seraphim in Isaiah's vision. (Isaiah 6 v.1-3) The lion represents strength, (Psalms 103 v.20) The calf service, (Heb.1 v.14) The face of a man intelligence, (Luke 2 v.52) and the eagle swiftness. (Dan 9 v.21) The angelic vision has a strong allusion to Ezekiel 1 v.4-14. The eyes denote wisdom or intelligence.
Verse 8b. The angels sing the praise to God. Day and night. One has to look at Isaiah 6 for another image of this. John sees the constant praise of these angelic beings for the most high. These beings surround the throne and praise God continually. The focus of their worship is on God’s purity, His power, and His preeminence. Giving “glory and honor” calls attention to the perfections of God, while giving “thanks” calls attention to the manifold gifts of God in creation and redemption. Knowing angels should worship God should prompt our worship also.
Verses 9-11. When the angels sing, the other angels lay down their crowns in holy submission to the great God. The sequence: prostration, adoration, and humiliation. When the crowned elders prostrate themselves before God and cast their crowns at His feet, these rulers humbly acknowledge His sovereignty and His right to receive worship. This verse reveals that the major purpose of crowns is as tokens of worship. This process is not a one-time event, but goes on “when (whenever) the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne.” The sequence: prostration, adoration, and humiliation. When the crowned elders prostrate themselves before God and cast their crowns at His feet, these rulers humbly acknowledge His sovereignty and His right to receive worship. This verse reveals that the major purpose of crowns is as tokens of worship. This process is not a one-time event, but goes on “when (whenever) the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne.”
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