Revelation 3:14

Angel. See on ch. 1:20.

The Laodiceans. Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the reading “in Laodicea.” This name has been defined as meaning “judging the people,” or “a people adjudged.” The latter appears preferable here. The beeline distance from Philadelphia to the city of Laodicea is some 50 mi. (c. 80 km.) (see The Journeys of Paul). The latter was founded by the Seleucid king Antiochus II Theos (261–246 B.C.), and named in honor of his wife, Laodice. Situated in the valley of the Lycus River, Laodicea was a prosperous commercial center in John’s day, specializing in the production of woolen goods. It lay within a few miles of the cities of Colossae and Hierapolis, and at an early date there were Christians in each of these cities (see Col. 4:13). By the time the Revelation was written, the church at Laodicea had probably been in existence some 40 years. Paul took a distinct interest in this congregation and directed the Colossians to exchange epistles with the Laodiceans (Col. 4:16; see Vol. V, p. 183). For a discussion of the ancient city of Laodicea see p. 100.

Amen. The coupling of this title with “the faithful and true witness” identifies it as a title of Christ (see ch. 1:5), who is the author of the epistles to the seven churches. For comment on the meaning of “amen” see on Deut. 7:9; Matt. 5:18. The application of this term to Christ may be compared with Isa. 65:16, where, in Hebrew, the Lord is called ’Elohe ’amen, “the God of amen.” In the present passage this title may be understood as a declaration that Christ is truth (see John 14:6). Accordingly, His message to the Laodicean church is to be accepted without question.

Faithful and true witness. See on ch. 1:5.

Beginning. Gr. archē, a word that has both a passive and an active sense. Taken passively, it refers to that which is acted upon at the beginning. So interpreted here, it would mean that Christ was the first creature created. But this obviously could not be the correct translation, for Christ is not a created being. Taken actively, archē refers to that which initiates an action, a first cause, a prime mover. So understood here, it declares Christ to be the Creator. Such is plainly the meaning of the present passage, for Christ is portrayed repeatedly in this same role elsewhere in the NT (see Vol. V, p. 917; see on John 1:3; Heb. 1:2). The strikingly similar statement of Col. 1:15, 16 had been read by the Laodicean church many years before (cf. Col. 4:16).