Expeditions

The Churches of Revelation: Laodicea, Smyrna and Philadelphia

In the previous installment of this department (September/October 1998), we visited Bergama (ancient Pergamum), Turkey, one of the seven churches of Revelation. We pick up our armchair tour with three more sites.

Laodicea

There were many towns called “Laodicea” in the ancient world. The full name of this particular town was Laodicea ad Lyceum, to distinguish it from the others. John chastised the Laodiceans for their tepid faith: “Because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth. For you say, ‘I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing.’ You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:16–17). Harsh words for the residents of a proud and wealthy city, noted for its manufacture of a medication for eye disorders!