Revelation 3:19

I love. Gr. phileō, “to love [as a friend, with all the warmth of personal affection].” Compare Christ’s love as expressed toward the Philadelphia church by the word agapaō (v. 9). For the difference between these words see on Matt. 5:43, 44; John 11:3; 21:15. This reassurance of Christ’s favor shows that the Laodiceans are not without hope (see Additional Note at end of chapter). In fact, they are the special objects of His attention. His love for them is expressed by chastisement, through which He hopes to bring them to repentance (see Prov. 3:12).

I rebuke. The aim of all true remedial discipline is to bring conviction to the erring one and to encourage to a new course of action.

Chasten. Gr. paideuō, “to train children,” “to punish,” particularly as a parent punishes a child for the purpose of reforming and training him. Chastening comes to the Christian when Christ’s rebuke is disregarded. Neither His rebuke nor His chastening is an expression of anger—as when a man loses his temper—but of vigorous love whose purpose is to bring sinners to repentance.

It would appear that the church at Laodicea had not as yet endured persecution, as her sister churches had, for there is no indication of suffering already endured. But Christ warns the church that it cannot continue in its halfhearted way without encountering remedial discipline. A little more than half a century after John’s time it seems that the ancient Laodicean church did suffer persecution (see Eusebius Ecclesiastical History iv. 26; v. 24).

Be zealous. Gr. zēloō, from the same root as the word zestos, “hot,” which the Laodicean church had failed to be (v. 15). The Laodiceans are called upon to experience the warmth and enthusiasm that comes with true repentance, consecration, and devotion to Christ.

Repent. Gr. metanoeō (see on Matt. 3:2). The verb is in the singular, stressing the personal, individual nature of this admonition. Repentance, like salvation, can never be accomplished en masse. The spiritual experience of a relative or a friend can be of saving value to himself alone. This new attitude of sorrow for the past and zeal for the future is Christ’s purpose for the Laodicean church. See Additional Note at end of chapter.