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Laodicea

From: Concise Bible Dictionary: L

By: George A. Morrish

Narrator: Chris Genthree

• 1 min. read • grade level: 9

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An important city in the district of Phrygia in Asia Minor. It forms a triangle with Hierapolis and Colosse. Its ancient name was Diospolis, but when Antiochus Theos rebuilt it he called it Laodicea, after the name of his wife. It became a wealthy city: on one occasion when it was destroyed by an earthquake the inhabitants were able to rebuild it without asking aid from the state (compare Rev. 3:17¹⁷Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: (Revelation 3:17)). Its destruction has been complete: its ruins are called Eski-hissar.

There is no account of Paul having visited this city, but it is evident that the church there was on his heart and that he sought its welfare. All that is known of the state of the Laodicean church is gathered from the address sent to it through the apostle John-see REVELATION (Col. 2:1¹For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; (Colossians 2:1); Col. 4:13,15-16¹³For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. (Colossians 4:13)
¹⁵Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house. ¹⁶And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. (Colossians 4:15‑16); Rev. 1:11¹¹Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. (Revelation 1:11); Rev. 3:11¹¹Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. (Revelation 3:11)).

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Concise Bible Dictionary: L

• Lake of Fire

• Lamentations of Jeremiah

• Lance (Kidon)

• Lancet (Romach)

• Laodicea

• Lapwing (Dukiphath)

• Last Time or Days