Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Laodicea, an ancient city located in the region of Phrygia in Asia Minor, is prominently mentioned in the New Testament. It was one of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation and is referenced in the Apostle Paul's epistles. The city was strategically situated on the major trade routes, contributing to its wealth and significance in the Roman province of Asia.Historical and Geographical Context Laodicea was founded by the Seleucid king Antiochus II and named after his wife, Laodice. The city was part of a tri-city area, along with Hierapolis and Colossae, and was known for its prosperity, particularly in banking, medicine, and textile industries. The fertile Lycus River Valley contributed to its economic success. However, Laodicea was also prone to earthquakes, one of which, in 60 AD, the city famously rebuilt without financial aid from Rome, highlighting its wealth and self-sufficiency. Biblical References 1. Revelation 3:14-22: Laodicea is most notably mentioned in the Book of Revelation as one of the seven churches to which Jesus Christ, through the Apostle John, sends messages. The church in Laodicea is criticized for being "lukewarm," neither hot nor cold, which is a metaphor for their spiritual state. The Berean Standard Bible records Jesus' words: "So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth" (Revelation 3:16). The passage continues with a call to repentance and a promise of fellowship for those who overcome. 2. Colossians 4:13-16: The Apostle Paul also references Laodicea in his letter to the Colossians. He expresses concern for the believers in Laodicea and instructs that his letter to the Colossians be read to the Laodiceans as well. Paul mentions a letter to the Laodiceans, which has not survived, indicating the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities. Theological Significance The message to the Laodicean church in Revelation is often interpreted as a warning against complacency and self-reliance in spiritual matters. The city's wealth and self-sufficiency are seen as contributing factors to the church's lukewarm faith. The call to "buy from Me gold refined by fire" (Revelation 3:18) is understood as an invitation to seek true spiritual riches and righteousness from Christ. Archaeological Insights Archaeological excavations in Laodicea have uncovered significant remains, including a theater, a stadium, and an aqueduct system, which highlight the city's affluence and advanced infrastructure. The discovery of inscriptions and artifacts provides further insight into the religious and social life of the city during the Roman period. Cultural and Religious Context Laodicea was a center for the worship of various deities, including Zeus and the healing god Asclepius. The presence of a Jewish community is also attested, which may have influenced the early Christian church in the city. The syncretistic religious environment posed challenges for the Christian community, as reflected in the admonitions found in the New Testament. Laodicea's legacy as a biblical site continues to offer valuable lessons on the dangers of spiritual complacency and the importance of genuine faith and reliance on Christ. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary LaodiceaSmith's Bible Dictionary Laodicea(justice of the people), a town in the Roman province of Asia situated in the valley of the Maeander, on a small river called the Lycus, with Colossae and Hierapolis a few miles distant to the west. Built, or rather rebuilt, by one of the Seleucid monarchs, and named in honor of his wife, Laodicea became under the Roman government a place of some importance. Its trade was considerable; it lay on the line of a great road; and it was the seat of a conventus . From the third chapter and seventeenth verse of Revelation we should gather it was a place of great wealth. Christianity was introduced into Laodicea, not, however, as it would seem, through the direct agency of St. Paul. We have good reason for believing that when, in writing from Rome to the Christians of Colossae, he sent a greeting to those of Laodicea, he had not personally visited either place. But the preaching of the gospel at Ephesus, (Acts 18:19; Acts 19:41) must inevitably have resulted in the formation of churches in the neighboring cities, especially where Jews were settled; and there were Jews in Laodicea. In subsequent times it became a Christian city of eminence, the see of bishop and a meeting-place of councils. The Mohammedan invaders destroyed it, and it is now a scene of utter desolation, as was prophesied in (Revelation 3:14-22) and the extensive ruins near Denislu justify all that we read of Laodicea in Greek and Roman writers. Another biblical subject of interest is connected with Laodicea. From (Colossians 4:16) it appears that St. Paul wrote a letter to this place when he wrote the letter to Colossae. Ussher's view is that it was the same as the Epistle to the Ephesians, which was a circular letter sent to Laodicea among other places. The apocryphal Epistola ad Laodicenses is a late and clumsy forgery. ATS Bible Dictionary LaodiceaA large and opulent city of Asia Minor, the metropolis of Phrygia Pacatiana. It was situated on the river Lycus, not far above its junction with the Meander, and in the vicinity of Colosse and Hierapolis. Its earlier name was Diopolis; but after being enlarged by Antiochus II, it was called Laodicea, from his wife Lodice. About A. D. 65 or 66, this city, together with Hieropolis and Colosse, was destroyed by an earthquake, but was quickly rebuilt by Marcus Aurelius. It is now in ruins, and the place is called Eskihissar, or the old castle. A Christian church was early gathered here. It was addressed by Paul in his letter to Colosse, and in another now lost, Colossians 2:1 4:13-16, though some think the "Epistle to the Ephesians" is the one alluded to. The church at Laodicea was probably visited by Paul, A. D. 63, and is one of the seven which received special messages from Christ after his ascension, Revelation 1:11 3:14-22. We know little of its after-history, except that an important council was held there near the middle of the fourth century, and that some form of Christianity lingered there until the time of the Turks. Easton's Bible Dictionary The city of this name mentioned in Scripture lay on the confines of Phrygia and Lydia, about 40 miles east of Ephesus (Revelation 3:14), on the banks of the Lycus. It was originally called Diospolis and then Rhoas, but afterwards Laodicea, from Laodice, the wife of Antiochus II., king of Syria, who rebuilt it. It was one of the most important and flourishing cities of Asia Minor. At a very early period it became one of the chief seats of Christianity (Colossians 2:1; 4:15; Revelation 1:11, etc.). It is now a deserted place, called by the Turks Eski-hissar or "old castle." Laodicea, Epistle from (Colossians 4:16), was probably the Epistle to the Ephesians, as designed for general circulation. It would reach the Colossians by way of Laodicea. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia LAODICEAla-od-i-se'-a (Laodikia): A city of Asia Minor situated in the Lycos valley in the province of Phrygia, and the home of one of the Seven Churches of Re (1:11). Distinguished from several other cities of that name by the appellation Ad Lycum, it was founded by Antiochus II (261-246 B.C.) of Syria, who named it for his wife Laodike, and who populated it with Syrians and with Jews who were transplanted from Babylonia to the cities of Phrygia and Lydia. Though Laodicea stood on the great highway at the junction of several important routes, it was a place of little consequence until the Roman province of Asia was formed in 190 B.C. It then suddenly became a great and wealthy center of industry, famous specially for the fine black wool of its sheep and for the Phrygian powder for the eyes, which was manufactured there (compare Revelation 3:18). In the vicinity was the temple of Men Karou and a renowned school of medicine. In the year 60 A.D., the city was almost entirely destroyed by an earthquake, but so wealthy were its citizens that they rejected the proffered aid of Rome, and quickly rebuilt it at their own expense (compare Revelation 3:17). It was a city of great wealth, with extensive banking operations (compare Revelation 3:18). Little is known of the early history of Christianity there; Timothy, Mark and Epaphras (Colossians 1:7) seem to have been the first to introduce it. However, Laodicea was early the chief bishopric of Phrygia, and about 166 A.D. Sagaris, its bishop, was martyred. In 1071 the city was taken by the Seljuks; in 1119 it was recovered to the Christians by John Comnenus, and in the 13th century it fell finally into the hands of the Turks. Greek 2993. Laodikeia -- Laodicea, a city in Phrygia ... Laodicea, a city in Phrygia. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Laodikeia Phonetic Spelling: (lah-od-ik'-i-ah) Short Definition: Laodicea Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2993.htm - 6k 3564. Numpha -- Nympha, a Christian of Laodicea 2857. Kolossai -- Colossae, a city in Phrygia 2994. Laodikeus -- Laodicean 2404. Hierapolis -- Hierapolis, a city in Asia Library Laodicea Synod of Laodicea. Journey to Laodicea. Laodicea. Rev 3:14-20 Innovations of Eudoxius Censured in a Letter Written by George ... Of the Dissension Caused by Paulinus; of the Innovation by ... Letter ccliv. To Pelagius, Bishop of the Syrian Laodicea. The Canons of the Synod Held in the City of Laodicea, in Phrygia ... Historical Introduction. Colossians iv. 12, 13 Thesaurus Laodicea (6 Occurrences)... It was originally called Diospolis and then Rhoas, but afterwards Laodicea, from Laodice, the wife of Antiochus II., king of Syria, who rebuilt it. ...LAODICEA. ... /l/laodicea.htm - 11k Nymphas (1 Occurrence) La-odice'a (5 Occurrences) Laodiceans (2 Occurrences) Colossae (1 Occurrence) Colossians (1 Occurrence) Tychicus (5 Occurrences) Phrygia (4 Occurrences) Public (99 Occurrences) Paul (207 Occurrences) Resources What was Jesus' message to the church in Laodicea in Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened at the Council of Laodicea? | GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He said, “I stand at the door and knock” (Revelation 3:20)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Laodicea (6 Occurrences)Colossians 2:1 Colossians 4:13 Colossians 4:15 Colossians 4:16 Revelation 1:11 Revelation 3:14 Subtopics Laodicea: Epistle to the Colossians to be Read In Laodicea: Message To, Through John Related Terms |
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