"And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,
"These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:
"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' — and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
"As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore 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 dine with him, and he with Me.
"To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (Revelation 3:14-27, NKJV).
The city was originally called Diospolis (which means "city of Zeus") and then Rhoas. It was renamed Laodicea by Antiochus II, king of Syria, who rebuilt the city and whose wife's name was Laodice.
Laodicea, built on seven hills like the city of Rome, was one of the most important and flourishing cities of Asia Minor. It minted its own coins, the inscriptions of which show evidence of the worship of Zeus, Apollo and the emperors. At a very early period Laodicea became one of the chief seats of Christianity (see Colossians 2:1, 4:15; Revelation 1:11).
Sources: Adam Clark's Commentary on the Entire Bible; Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible; Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible
