Revelation 3:14 ¹⁴And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘This is what the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation, says.

The last of the seven letters was written to the church in the city of Laodicea. This city was located at an important crossroads in Asia Minor at the intersection of two imperial routes in the Lycus Valley, near Colossae and Hierapolis. It was the wealthiest city of Phrygia during Roman times and known as a banking center with much gold. It was surrounded by good grazing lands for sheep and famous for black wool. It also had a famous medical school due to the nearby hot springs and the eye salve made there. Its weakness was a lack of good water. Water had to be piped in from six miles away. It had a substantial Jewish population. It was a center for the imperial cult. Paul intended for his letter to the Colossians to be read in Laodicea also (Colossians 4:16). In many ways, the church in that city modeled the city in characteristics mentioned in this letter.

The description of Jesus is again symbolic, with four brief and significant descriptions. First, he is called the Amen, meaning “truly”; “you can build your life on this.” It is used to make something binding and valid. Second, he is the faithful one. What he says can be relied upon. What Jesus says will certainly come to pass because it is the truth. His perfect character guarantees his perfect word. Third, as the true witness because his testimony about the person of God is the truth. Jesus revealed the Father’s character of love and holiness and his purpose for humanity.

The fourth description needs to be carefully considered. The beginning of creation does not mean Jesus was the first thing created but is the first over all creation and the instrument through which all things were created. He is the Word of God through whom creation was spoken into existence and is sustained (John 1:1-4; Colossians 1:15-16). He was firstborn in the sense of the highest of honor in a family, the one who inherits all. This description of Jesus shows his authority and the reliability of his words. The church in Laodicea must heed his words. We must also listen carefully to these words because they have truth for our lives as well.