For I would that ye knew what great conflict
I have for you, and for them at Laodicea,
and for as many as have not seen my face in
the flesh; that their hearts might be comforted,
being knit together in love, and unto all
riches of the full assurance of understanding,
to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God,
and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom
are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge
Colossians 2:1-3
Paul addressing the Colossian Christians did so to encourage them to remain in Authentic Christian Faith even though they were surrounded by paganism. Notice that the Laodiceans were mentioned here and it would be good to understand Paul's concern about this city. It is mentioned in Revelation: "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot; I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth" (Revelation 3:15-16).Laodicea had become an important Phrygian city during Roman times (In fact in music we have the Phrygian scale: for you music lovers). Loadicea became a wealthy city and very prosperous. Loadicea is located about 10 miles from Colossae. Paganism was reflected by the people in and accord with the larger Mediterranean culture. It had Zeus as the city's patron god, and had temples for Apollos, Asclepius, Hades, hera, Athena, Serapis, Dionysus, and other deities. The Christian Church there seem to take on this culture and had become arrogant of self-sufficiency in matters of prosperity (reminds of some current preachers), and so proud of its wealth. Laodicea was known for its textiles, especially black wool, and or its medical school, (Asclepius is known for it symbol the two snakes wrapped around a pole, a kadusa, I wore the kadusa and a medical person in the Navy. With all this the Church lacked spiritually. John in Revelation spoke of "hot and cold" water and this illustration is from the fact that Laodicea had a pipe for water and was known for its water. In time the Laodicea became known for bad water with its sediment. This water that came down as cold, became hot, and then lukewarm, not good and only good to illustrate lukewarmness for Christians who follow after self-aggrandizement.
The Colossians were being warned to not to follow after the Laodicean Christians and to remain in their hearts a love for one another, to be comforted, not be riches or fame, rather by the assurance that comes from understanding and acknowledging the mysteries of God. Those mysteries having been preached and taught to them. Treasures are not to be found in this world, rather, to be found as treasures of wisdom and knowledge. There are some preachers who are so full of themselves, so full of the fact that they have a theological degree, and yet are so full of this world's culture and we are to avoid them: "And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words" (Colossians 2:4). The truth of God's word is ever present, only when a person avoids taking time to examine this truth and applying it in their lives will they then too become as a Laodicean. We, by Paul, are admonished: "For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ" (Colossians 2:5).
Do not become as the Laodicean Church and become lukewarm for then you are no good as an ambassador for Jesus Christ, your witness is tainted, and God cannot use for His eternal purpose. To fall away is easy when a person takes their eyes off Jesus Christ for they lose what they had received: "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him; rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving" (Colosssians 2:6-7).
How much better to get wisdom than gold,
to choose understanding rather than silver!
the highway of the upright avoids evil;
he who guards his way guards his life.
Proverbs 16:16-17
Be obedient: leave the consequences to God
Richard L. Crumb
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