Revelation 3:18
I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.
I counsel you
This phrase indicates a personal and authoritative recommendation from Jesus Christ Himself. The Greek word for "counsel" is "συμβουλεύω" (symbouleuō), which implies giving advice or guidance with wisdom and authority. In the context of Revelation, Jesus is addressing the church in Laodicea, offering divine guidance to a community that has become spiritually complacent. This counsel is not merely a suggestion but a call to action, urging believers to heed His words and make necessary changes in their spiritual lives.

to buy from Me
The phrase "to buy from Me" suggests a transaction, but not in the material sense. The Greek word "ἀγοράζω" (agorazō) means to purchase or acquire. Here, it signifies obtaining spiritual wealth and resources directly from Christ. This is a call to prioritize spiritual riches over worldly possessions, emphasizing the need for a personal relationship with Jesus as the source of true wealth.

gold refined by fire
Gold refined by fire symbolizes purity and authenticity. In ancient times, gold was purified through intense heat, removing impurities and increasing its value. Spiritually, this represents faith and character that have been tested and purified through trials. The Laodicean church is being urged to seek genuine faith that withstands challenges, reflecting a life transformed by Christ's refining power.

so that you may become rich
This phrase contrasts worldly wealth with spiritual richness. The Greek word for "rich" is "πλουτέω" (plouteō), which means to be wealthy or abundant. Jesus is emphasizing that true richness comes from spiritual abundance, not material possessions. The Laodiceans, known for their wealth, are reminded that their true value lies in spiritual prosperity, which leads to eternal rewards.

and white garments
White garments symbolize purity, righteousness, and victory. In the historical context, Laodicea was known for its black wool, making the reference to white garments particularly striking. The Greek word "ἱμάτιον" (himation) refers to clothing or attire. Spiritually, this represents the righteousness of Christ that believers are to "put on," signifying a life cleansed from sin and adorned with holiness.

so that you may be clothed
Being clothed in white garments implies being covered and protected by Christ's righteousness. The Greek word "περιβάλλω" (periballō) means to put on or wrap around. This imagery conveys the idea of being enveloped in Christ's purity, ensuring that believers are not found spiritually naked or ashamed at His coming.

and your shameful nakedness not be exposed
This phrase highlights the spiritual vulnerability and disgrace of being without Christ's righteousness. Nakedness in biblical terms often symbolizes sin and shame. The Laodiceans are warned that without the covering of Christ's righteousness, their spiritual state is exposed and dishonorable. This serves as a call to repentance and a return to spiritual integrity.

and salve to anoint your eyes
Salve for the eyes represents spiritual insight and discernment. Laodicea was famous for its medical school and eye salve, making this metaphor particularly relevant. The Greek word "κολλούριον" (kollourion) refers to a healing ointment. Spiritually, this signifies the need for divine enlightenment to see and understand spiritual truths, moving from blindness to clarity in their walk with God.

so that you may see
The ability to see denotes spiritual awareness and understanding. The Greek word "βλέπω" (blepō) means to see or perceive. Jesus is urging the Laodiceans to gain spiritual vision, to recognize their true condition, and to comprehend the deeper realities of their faith. This call to spiritual sight is an invitation to live with discernment and purpose, fully aware of God's will and direction.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The speaker in this verse, offering counsel to the church in Laodicea.

2. Laodicea
A wealthy city known for its banking, textile, and medical industries, particularly its eye salve.

3. The Church in Laodicea
The intended recipients of this message, criticized for their lukewarm faith.
Teaching Points
Spiritual Wealth Over Material Wealth
True riches come from a relationship with Christ, not material possessions.

Purity and Righteousness
The "white garments" symbolize purity and righteousness that cover our sins.

Spiritual Insight
The "salve" represents the Holy Spirit's work in giving us spiritual insight and discernment.

Repentance and Renewal
The call to "buy" from Christ implies a need for repentance and a turning away from self-sufficiency.

Vigilance Against Complacency
The Laodicean church's lukewarm state warns against spiritual complacency and self-deception.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of "gold refined by fire" challenge our understanding of true wealth and success?

2. In what ways can we "clothe" ourselves with righteousness in our daily lives?

3. How can we apply the idea of spiritual "salve" to improve our discernment and understanding of God's will?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to avoid spiritual complacency in our personal faith journey?

5. How do the themes in Revelation 3:18 connect with Jesus' teachings in the Gospels about spiritual wealth and insight?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Peter 1:7
Discusses faith being refined like gold, similar to the "gold refined by fire" in Revelation 3:18.

Isaiah 55:1
Invites people to "buy" without money, paralleling the spiritual purchase in Revelation 3:18.

Matthew 6:20
Encourages storing treasures in heaven, aligning with the call to buy "gold refined by fire."

Genesis 3:7
Adam and Eve's realization of their nakedness connects to the "shameful nakedness" mentioned.

John 9:39-41
Jesus speaks of spiritual blindness, relating to the need for "salve to anoint your eyes."
The Epistle to the Church At LaodiceaS. Conway Revelation 3:14-21
AmenDean Farrar.Revelation 3:14-22
An Earnest Warning Against LukewarmnessC. H. Spurgeon.Revelation 3:14-22
Christ's NamesJ. Culross, D. D.Revelation 3:14-22
IndifferenceH. J. Wilmot Buxton, M. A.Revelation 3:14-22
LaodiceaD. C. Hughes, M. A.Revelation 3:14-22
LaodiceaA. Maclaren, D. D.Revelation 3:14-22
Laodicea -- the Self-Complacent ChurchA. Mackennal, D. D.Revelation 3:14-22
LukewarmnessW. Mitchell, M. A.Revelation 3:14-22
LukewarmnessC. H. Spurgeon.Revelation 3:14-22
LukewarmnessJ. N. Norton, D. D.Revelation 3:14-22
Lukewarmness in ReligionJohn Erskine, D. D.Revelation 3:14-22
Lukewarmness Injurious to OthersG. Bowes.Revelation 3:14-22
The AmenC. H. Spurgeon.Revelation 3:14-22
The Church Abhorrent to Christ Because of the Lukewarm Temperature of its Spiritual LifeJ. S. Exell, M. A.Revelation 3:14-22
The Condition of the LaodiceansJ. Culross, D. D.Revelation 3:14-22
The Creation of GodW. Milligan, D. D.Revelation 3:14-22
The Danger of LukewarmnessCanon Girdlestone.Revelation 3:14-22
The Danger of Lukewarmness in ReligionS. Davies, M. A.Revelation 3:14-22
The Destiny of a Lukewarm ChurchS. Martin.Revelation 3:14-22
The Epistle to the Church in LaodiceaR. Green Revelation 3:14-22
The First Stages of Spiritual DeclineJ. B. Marsden, M. A.Revelation 3:14-22
The Three Stages of Religious EmotionJohn F. Ewing, M. A.Revelation 3:14-22
The Word of Christ to the Congregation At LaodiceaD. Thomas, D. D.Revelation 3:14-22
The Words of Christ to the Church At LaodiceaD. Thomas Revelation 3:14-22
A Great Mistake, and the Way to Rectify ItC. H. Spurgeon.Revelation 3:17-18
Aggravated Poverty of SoulJ. Owen, D. D.Revelation 3:17-18
Christ Giving CounselJ. Culross, D. D.Revelation 3:17-18
Christ's Counsel to a Lukewarm ChurchA. Maclaren, D. D.Revelation 3:17-18
Human NeedC. A. Bartol.Revelation 3:17-18
Jesus, the Heavenly CounsellorJ. Goodacre.Revelation 3:17-18
Moral WealthHomilistRevelation 3:17-18
Poor and NeedyRevelation 3:17-18
Shallowness in ReligionBp. S. Wilberforce.Revelation 3:17-18
The Church of the LaodiceansS. Martin.Revelation 3:17-18
The Great and Dangerous Mistake of Some ProfessorsJohn Flavel.Revelation 3:17-18
The Self Ignorance of the LaodiceansJ. Culross, D. D.Revelation 3:17-18
The Spiritually Luxurious and ProudH. Crosby.Revelation 3:17-18
The Unconverted Sinner's Estimate of HimselfA. Gray.Revelation 3:17-18
Tried GoldW. Burrows, B. A.Revelation 3:17-18
What Does God Think of MeRevelation 3:17-18
What We are Before GodFree Methodist.Revelation 3:17-18
People
David, John
Places
Jerusalem, Laodicea, Philadelphia, Sardis
Topics
TRUE, Advise, Anoint, Appear, Arrayed, Buy, Clothe, Clothed, Clothes, Counsel, Cover, Eye, Eyesalve, Eye-salve, Fire, Fired, Garments, Gold, Hide, Manifest, Mayest, Nakedness, Oil, Purified, Raiment, Refined, Revealed, Rich, Robes, Salve, Shame, Shameful, Tested, Thyself, Tried, Wealth, Wear, Wise
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Revelation 3:18

     4303   metals
     4333   gold
     4351   refining
     4826   fire
     4859   white
     5146   covering
     5242   buying and selling
     5405   medicine
     5413   money, attitudes
     5779   advice
     5780   advisers
     5947   shame
     8813   riches, spiritual
     9413   heaven, inheritance

Revelation 3:15-18

     2045   Christ, knowledge of

Revelation 3:15-20

     8466   reformation

Revelation 3:15-22

     5885   indifference

Revelation 3:17-18

     5135   blindness, spiritual
     8824   self-righteousness, nature of

Revelation 3:18-19

     8162   spiritual vitality

Library
August 5. "If any Man Hear My Voice and Open the Door I Will Come into Him and Will Sup with Him and He with Me" (Rev. Iii. 20).
"If any man hear My voice and open the door I will come into him and will sup with him and he with Me" (Rev. iii. 20). Some of us are starving, and wondering why the Holy Spirit does not fill us. We have plenty coming in, but we do not give it out. Give out the blessing you have, start larger plans for service and blessing, and you will soon find that the Holy Ghost is before you, and He will "prevent you with the blessings of goodness," and give you all that He can trust you to give away to others.
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

An Advance Step in the Royal Programme
(Revelation, Chapters iv. and v.) "We are watching, we are waiting, For the bright prophetic day; When the shadows, weary shadows, From the world shall roll away. "We are watching, we are waiting, For the star that brings the day; When the night of sin shall vanish, And the shadows melt away. "We are watching, we are waiting, For the beauteous King of day; For the chiefest of ten thousand, For the Light, the Truth, the Way. "We are waiting for the morning, When the beauteous day is dawning, We are
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation

A Solemn Warning for all Churches
I. GENERAL DEFILEMENT. The holy apostle, John, said of the church in Sardis, "These things saith he that hath the Seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou has a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die; for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou has received and heard, and hold fast and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 2: 1856

The Loved Ones Chastened
The fact is, that this world is not the place of punishment. There may now and then be eminent judgments; but as a rule God does not in the present state fully punish any man for sin. He allows the wicked to go on in their wickedness; he throws the reins upon their necks; he lets them go on unbridled in their lusts; some checks of conscience there may be; but these are rather, as monitions than as punishments. And, on the other hand, he casts the Christian down; he gives the most afflictions to the
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Commendation for the Steadfast
The Philadelphian saints, like the limpet, which has but little strength, stuck firmly to the rock, and they are commended for it. They had little strength, but they kept God's word, and they did not deny his name. Possibly if they had felt stronger they might have presumptuously quitted the word of the Lord for the opinions of men, as the Galatians did, and then they would have lost their reward. May every church of the Lord Jesus Christ, whether it have little strength or much, be concerned to
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 30: 1884

23D DAY. A Speedy Coming.
"He is Faithful that Promised." "Behold, I come quickly."--REV. iii. 11. A Speedy Coming. "Even so! come, Lord Jesus!" "Why tarry the wheels of Thy chariot?" Six thousand years this world has rolled on, getting hoary with age, and wrinkled with sins and sorrows. A waiting Church sees the long-drawn shadows of twilight announcing, "The Lord is at hand." Prepare, my soul, to meet Him. Oh! happy days, when thine adorable Redeemer, so long dishonoured and despised, shall be publicly enthroned, in presence
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser

Love in Chastisement.
"He is Faithful that Promised." "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten."--REV. iii. 19. Love in Chastisement. Sorrowing Believer! what couldst thou wish more than this? Thy furnace is severe; but look at this assurance of Him who lighted it. Love is the fuel that feeds its flames! Its every spark is love! Kindled by a Father's hand, and designed as a special pledge of a Father's love. How many of his dear children has He so rebuked and chastened; and all, all for one reason, "I love them!"
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser

The Disciple, -- Master, what are Heaven and Hell...
The Disciple,--Master, what are heaven and hell, and where are they? The Master,--1. Heaven and hell are the two opposite states in the spiritual realm. They have their origin in the heart of man and it is in this world that their foundations are laid. Since man cannot see his own spirit, so neither can he see these two states of the soul. But he has experience of them within him, just as he feels pain from a blow and perceives sweetness from eating sweetmeats. The wound caused by the blow may increase
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet

The Universality of Actual Grace
The gratuity of grace does not conflict with its universality. Though God distributes His graces freely, He grants them to all men without exception, because He wills all to be saved. This divine "will to save" (voluntas Dei salvifica) may be regarded in relation either to the wayfaring state or to the status termini. Regarded from the first-mentioned point of view it is a merciful will (voluntas misericordiae) and is generally called first or antecedent will (voluntas prima s. antecedens)
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual

Of Self-Denial and the Casting Away all Selfishness
"My Son, thou canst not possess perfect liberty unless thou altogether deny thyself. All they are enslaved who are possessors of riches, they who love themselves, the selfish, the curious, the restless; those who ever seek after soft things, and not after the things of Jesus Christ; those who continually plan and devise that which will not stand. For whatsoever cometh not of God shall perish. Hold fast the short and complete saying, 'Renounce all things, and thou shalt find all things; give up
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

The Exalted One.
Hebrews i. SOME thirty-five years ago, when the so-called "Higher Criticism" had begun its destructive work, a believer living in England, predicted that within thirty years the storm would gather over one sacred head. How this has come true! Satan's work of undermining the authority of the Bible, a pernicious work still going on, is but the preliminary to an attack of the Person of Christ. To-day as never before the glorious Person of our Lord is being belittled in the camp of Christendom. This
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

Inspiration.
"And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write, These things saith He that hath the seven Spirits of God."-- Rev. iii. 1. We do not speak here of the New Testament. Nothing has contributed more to falsify and undermine faith in the Scripture and the orthodox view concerning it than the unhistoric and unnatural practise of considering the Scripture of the Old and the New Testament at the same time. The Old Testament appears first; then came the Word in the flesh; and only after that the Scripture
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Laodicea
We reach, in this last Epistle, the lowest point of Judah's degradation, in that long line of departure from God, from the day Israel left her "first love," even the day of her espousals, when brought forth out of Egypt, down, down through one vast scene of idolatry and judgment, until we find that nation described in the Epistle to the Assembly in Laodicea in a condition of spiritual destitution such as characterised the People in the period of the Minor Prophets. Indeed, so complete is the correspondence,
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

The Seventh
refers to the throne, of which Solomon's was in every respect the ideal type. This, the highest promise, is given to the overcomers in the lowest condition of Israel's degradation, which is described as in danger of being "spued out." What that was we have already seen (page 89), and now we have the chiefest of all the promises. The overcomers in that last terrible condition of things are the ones who most need the greatest of Divine help and encouragement. Hence the highest promise is given. "To
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

Set Me as a Seal Upon Thy Heart, as a Seal Upon Thine Arm; for Love is Strong as Death, Jealousy is Cruel as Hell; the Lights Thereof are Lights of Fire and Flames.
The Bridegroom invites the Spouse to set Him as a seal upon her heart; for as He is the source of her life, He ought also to be its seal. It is He who hinders her from ever leaving so blessed a state; she is then the fountain sealed, which none but Himself can either open or shut. He desires also that she should set Him as a seal upon her exterior and her works, so that everything may be reserved for Him and nothing may move without His directions. She is then a garden enclosed for her Bridegroom,
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon

Whether Predestination is Certain?
Objection 1: It seems that predestination is not certain. Because on the words "Hold fast that which thou hast, that no one take thy crown," (Rev 3:11), Augustine says (De Corr. et Grat. 15): "Another will not receive, unless this one were to lose it." Hence the crown which is the effect of predestination can be both acquired and lost. Therefore predestination cannot be certain. Objection 2: Further, granted what is possible, nothing impossible follows. But it is possible that one predestined---e.g.
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit
Having spoken of the general notion of blessedness, I come next to consider the subjects of this blessedness, and these our Saviour has deciphered to be the poor in spirit, the mourners, etc. But before I touch upon these, I shall attempt a little preface or paraphrase upon this sermon of the beatitudes. 1 Observe the divinity in this sermon, which goes beyond all philosophy. The philosophers use to say that one contrary expels another; but here one contrary begets another. Poverty is wont to expel
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Flimsy Garments
'Their webs shall not become garments.'--ISAIAH lix. 6. 'I counsel thee to buy of me ... white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear.'--REV. iii. 18. The force of these words of the prophet is very obvious. He has been pouring out swift, indignant denunciation on the evil-doers in Israel; and, says he, 'they hatch cockatrice's eggs and spin spiders' webs,' pointing, as I suppose, to the patient perseverance, worthy of a better cause, which bad men
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Calling and the Kingdom
'I beseech you, that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.'--Eph. iv. 1. 'They shall walk with Me in white; for they are worthy.'--Rev. iii. 4. The estimate formed of a centurion by the elders of the Jews was, 'He is worthy for whom Thou shouldst do this' and in contrast therewith the estimate formed by himself was, 'I am not worthy that Thou shouldst come under my roof.' From these two statements we deduce the thought that merit has no place in the Christian's salvation, but all
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ephesians, Peter,John

Nineteenth Day for the Holy Spirit on Christendom
WHAT TO PRAY.--For the Holy Spirit on Christendom "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof."--2 TIM. iii. 5. "Thou hast a name that thou livest, and thou art dead."--REV. iii. 1. There are five hundred millions of nominal Christians. The state of the majority is unspeakably awful. Formality, worldliness, ungodliness, rejection of Christ's service, ignorance, and indifference--to what an extent does all this prevail. We pray for the heathen--oh! do let us pray for those bearing
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair, My Love; There is no Spot in Thee. " --Song of Solomon iv. 7.
FRAGRANT SPICES FROM THE MOUNTAINS OF MYRRH. HOW marvellous are these words! "Thou art all fair, My love; there is no spot in thee." The glorious Bridegroom is charmed with His spouse, and sings soft canticles of admiration. When the bride extols her Lord there is no wonder, for He deserves it well, and in Him there is room for praise without possibility of flattery. But does He who is wiser than Solomon condescend to praise this sunburnt Shulamite? Tis even so, for these are His own words, and were
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come

A Short and Easy Method of Prayer
CHAPTER I The Universal Call to Prayer What a dreadful delusion hath prevailed over the greater part of mankind, in supposing that they are not called to a state of prayer! whereas all are capable of prayer, and are called thereto, as all are called to and are capable of salvation. Prayer is the application of the heart to God, and the internal exercise of love. S. Paul hath enjoined us to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. v 17), and our Lord saith, "I say unto you all, watch and pray" (Mark xiii.
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of Prayer

All are Commanded to Pray --Prayer the Great Means of Salvation
CHAPTER I. ALL ARE COMMANDED TO PRAY--PRAYER THE GREAT MEANS OF SALVATION, AND POSSIBLE AT ALL TIMES BY THE MOST SIMPLE. Prayer is nothing else but the application of the heart to God, and the interior exercise of love. St Paul commands us to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thess. v. 17). Our Lord says: "Take ye heed, watch and pray." "And what I say unto you, I say unto all" (Mark xiii. 33, 37). All, then, are capable of prayer, and it is the duty of all to engage in it. But I do not think that all are
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents

How to Make Use of Christ as the Life when the Soul is Dead as to Duty.
Sometimes the believer will be under such a distemper, as that he will be as unfit and unable for discharging of any commanded duty, as dead men, or one in a swoon, is to work or go a journey. And it were good to know how Christ should be made use of as the Life, to the end the diseased soul may be delivered from this. For this cause we shall consider those four things: 1. See what are the several steps and degrees of this distemper. 2. Consider whence it cometh, or what are the causes or occasions
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

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