Joyce's Photos of Laodicea

Laodicea is the last of the seven churches listed in the Book of Revelation. It is often known as "the lukewarm church". Here is what is said to it:

14 "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: 15 "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 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-- 18 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. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 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. 21 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. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' " (Revelation 3:14-22).

The following links are to photographs taken and/or directed by Joyce Thiel in May 2008. All materials are copyrighted and all photographs are copyrighted by Joyce Thiel (c) 2008, All Rights Reserved:

Main Street of Ancient Laodicea. This is what one sees now as the old main street of the ruins of Laodicea.

Pillars in Laodicea. There are upright pillars in the ruins. And as this photo indicates, some parts were apparently restacked after being broken.

Scattered Remains in Laodicea. Unlike most of the other churches of Revelation 2 & 3, Laodicea has remains scattered in more places.

Waters of Laodicea? This appears to be one of the places were the lukewarm waters reached Laodicea.

Amphitheater of Laodicea. Thousands gathered here in Roman times (though not for Christian church services). This ruin is still in the process of being restored.

Temple in Laodicea? I believe that this is the remains of a pagan temple in Laodicea. It is one of the best preserved building structures there.

Gymnasium in Laodicea. Most of the larger cities in ancient Roman times had a gymnasium.

Cross in Laodicea. Although many who profess Christ may think that this cross dates from the time that the Apostle John penned the Book of Revelation, crosses like this one did not appear until about 4 centuries later here. There are no 1st century crosses I have ever ran across associated with Christianity in the first century.

Pammukale. The hot waters of Pammukale (a town relatively near Laodicea) turned lukewarm by the time they were transported to Laodicea. Pammukale is a much more popular destination for tourists in this part of Turkey that Laodicea is.

Much more information about the spiritual ramifications of Laodicea can be found in the articles The Laodicean Church Era and Laodicean Warning for God's People.

COGwriter 2008

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