Revelation 3:14-22 Letter to the Church in Laodicea

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The letter to the Church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) contains a sobering message from Jesus Christ, the Amen and True Witness. This passage warns against spiritual lukewarmness, self-deception, and complacency while extending a powerful invitation to repentance and fellowship with Christ. The Laodicean church, though materially wealthy, was spiritually poor, blind, and naked. Jesus calls them to seek true riches, righteousness, and restored vision from Him. The passage concludes with a compelling promise to those who overcome: a place with Christ on His throne.

Revelation 3:14-22 Overview

The Ruler – The Amen, Faithful Witness, and Creator (Revelation 3:14)
The Rebuke – Lukewarm, Self-Sufficient, Spiritually Blind (Revelation 3:15-17)
The Remedy – Refined Gold, White Garments, Anointed Eyes (Revelation 3:18-19)
The Reward – Open Door, Shared Fellowship, Throne with Christ (Revelation 3:20-22)

The Ruler

14 “To the angel of the assembly in Laodicea write: ‘The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of God’s creation, says these things:”

The Rebuke

15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of my mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing;’ and don’t know that you are the wretched one, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.”

The Remedy

18 “I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich; and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me.”

The Reward

21 “He who overcomes, I will give to him to sit down with me on my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.”

Bible Commentary

▷ Matthew Henry Concise Commentary on the Bible, taken from e-Sword app.

Revelation 3:14-22

Laodicea was the last and worst of the seven churches of Asia. Here our Lord Jesus styles himself, “The Amen;” one steady and unchangeable in all his purposes and promises. If religion is worth anything, it is worth every thing. Christ expects men should be in earnest.

How many professors of gospel doctrine are neither hot nor cold; except as they are indifferent in needful matters, and hot and fiery in disputes about things of lesser moment! A severe punishment is threatened.

They would give a false opinion of Christianity, as if it were an unholy religion; while others would conclude it could afford no real satisfaction, otherwise its professors would not have been heartless in it, or so ready to seek pleasure or happiness from the world.

One cause of this indifference and inconsistency in religion is, self-conceit and self-delusion; “Because thou sayest.” What a difference between their thoughts of themselves, and the thoughts Christ had of them! How careful should we be not to cheat our owns souls!

There are many in hell, who once thought themselves far in the way to heaven. Let us beg of God that we may not be left to flatter and deceive ourselves. Professors grow proud, as they become carnal and formal. Their state was wretched in itself. They were poor; really poor, when they said and thought they were rich.

They could not see their state, nor their way, nor their danger, yet they thought they saw it. They had not the garment of justification, nor sanctification: they were exposed to sin and shame; their rags that would defile them. They were naked, without house or harbour, for they were without God, in whom alone the soul of man can find rest and safety.

Good counsel was given by Christ to this sinful people. Happy those who take his counsel, for all others must perish in their sins. Christ lets them know where they might have true riches, and how they might have them. Some things must be parted with, but nothing valuable; and it is only to make room for receiving true riches.

Part with sin and self-confidence, that you may be filled with his hidden treasure. They must receive from Christ the white raiment he purchased and provided for them; his own imputed righteousness for justification, and the garments of holiness and sanctification.

Let them give themselves up to his word and Spirit, and their eyes shall be opened to see their way and their end. Let us examine ourselves by the rule of his word, and pray earnestly for the teaching of his Holy Spirit, to take away our pride, prejudices, and worldly lusts.

Sinners ought to take the rebukes of God’s word and rod, as tokens of his love to their souls. Christ stood without; knocking, by the dealings of his providence, the warnings and teaching of his word, and the influences of his Spirit. Christ still graciously, by his word and Spirit, comes to the door of the hearts of sinners.

Those who open to him shall enjoy his presence. If what he finds would make but a poor feast, what he brings will supply a rich one. He will give fresh supplies of graces and comforts. In the conclusion is a promise to the overcoming believer.

Christ himself had temptations and conflicts; he overcame them all, and was more than a conqueror. Those made like to Christ in his trials, shall be made like to him in glory. All is closed with the general demand of attention. And these counsels, while suited to the churches to which they were addressed, are deeply interesting to all men.

Sermon Themes

The Letter to the Church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22) challenges us to examine our spiritual temperature—are we passionately devoted or dangerously indifferent? Christ’s call to repentance, refinement, and relationship remains urgent today. Explore the following themes and topics to shape your sermon on this chapter of Revelation. Let them inspire you to share God’s truth with clarity and impact.

The Authoritative Address of Christ (Revelation 3:14) – Jesus declares His ultimate authority, truthfulness, and role as the source of all creation.
The Condemnation of Lukewarmness (Revelation 3:15-16) – Christ rebukes spiritual apathy, warning that complacent faith is unacceptable to Him.
The Illusion of Self-Sufficiency (Revelation 3:17) – The Laodiceans believed they were rich, but Christ exposed their true spiritual poverty.
The Call to Spiritual Transformation (Revelation 3:18) – Jesus invites them to seek true riches, righteousness, and renewed spiritual vision from Him.
The Motivation of Divine Love in Correction (Revelation 3:19) – God’s discipline is an act of love, leading His people toward repentance and renewal.
The Intimate Invitation of Christ (Revelation 3:20) – Jesus stands at the door, offering personal fellowship to those who respond to His call.
True Wealth is Spiritual, Not Material (Revelation 3:17-18): Don’t be deceived by earthly riches; seek the lasting treasures of God’s grace and righteousness.
Embrace Loving Correction (Revelation 3:19): See God’s discipline as an act of love meant to guide you back to Him.
The Promise to Overcomers (Revelation 3:21) – Those who endure in faith will reign with Christ in His eternal kingdom.
The Universal Call to Hear the Spirit (Revelation 3:22) – This message applies to all believers, urging them to listen and respond to God’s voice.
Listen Attentively to God’s Voice (Revelation 3:22): Pay attention to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in your daily life.

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▷ Scripture quotations taken from the World English Bible (WEB), which is in the public domain.