Apostle Gabriel preaching |
Antiochus II founded it in the 3rd century B.C. and named this way in honor his wife Laodice.
It was a commercial and bank important center. It was so rich that when an earthquake suffered in 60 A.D. his citizens reconstructed without the help of the Emperor Nerón. But he was lacking sufficient drinkable water.
But Laodicea's church was poor, naked, and blind and needed gold, white vestments and collyrium to see.
Especially, it is called by the Lord Jesus Christ in these term “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,[g] 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 3.14-21)
Serfs of God, dear churches: (particularly to the great family of the CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY PHILADELPHIA in the world) Today, the Lord calls us to being burning the power of his Holy Spirit not to be rejected.