The Churches of Revelation Chapter 2 & 3
I was prompted to look into the seven churches of God of Revelation 2 and 3 because there was so much that I didn't understand. I had forgotten who the Nicolaitans were, why was it that the Ephesians leaving their first love was so grievous as to have their candlestick removed, why is some of the wording in the Smyrna and Philadelphia messages so closely related. I also desired to learn of other details of the churches such as what were the specific riches of the Laodicean church. What else beside material wealth might it be? I believe I have found some answers that have been helpful to me and hopefully helpful to you. The messages began by speaking to the first century church that was proclaiming the good news of Salvation to the Gentiles. They continued all the way to the resurrection of the saints. I've learned that while on Paul's third missionary journey It is most likely that he founded these seven churches. It is important to recognize that the messages were not only related to the churches of that day, 95 A.D., they also revealed the nature of future progressive eras that each church represented.
Rev 1:19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;
To the Church in Ephesus
Rev 2:1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
Rev 2:2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
Rev 2:3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
Rev 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
Rev 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Rev 2:6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
Rev 2:7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
It is recognized that the church in Ephesus was very special to Paul. He spent two years there, longer than any other area, and from there the gospel penetrated into every center of the province of Asia. He was much loved as they recognized his love for them.
Act 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
Act 19:8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
Act 19:9 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
Act 19:10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
Act 20:17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
Act 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Act 20:36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
Act 20:37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,
Act 20:38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
This is the blessed beginning for the church in Ephesus. This took place about 56 A.D. John's message to the Ephesians was written about 95 A.D. By that time they still had a strong faith but had lost the love they once had. They had lost a love for God and consequently for one another.
1Jn 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
1Co 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity (love), I am nothing.
Their faith gave them an understanding of those things that were un-Godly, which included the "deeds" of the Nicolaitans. The Nicolaitans taught a doctrine of compromise, implying that total separation between Christianity and the practice of occult paganism was not essential. Ephesus, being a center for pagan worship, exercised the faith of the saints. In that regard they were not found wanting. But, by the time of John's message, they had lost the foremost principle that all creation is dependent on. And they needed a deep repentance to maintain their place among the churches.
To the Church in Smyrna
Rev 2:8 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive;
Rev 2:9 "I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who sayG3004(to lay forth) they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.
Rev 2:10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Rev 2:11 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.
The principle, "a year for a day", is Biblical and is recorded in Numbers 14:34 and Ezekiel 4:6.
Num 14:34 After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise.
Eze 4:6 And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year.
The use of a year for a day regarding the church at Smyrna helps show the prophetic nature of the writings given to the seven churches. The message to Smyrna is applicable to the years 303 A.D.to 313 A.D. In appreciation for a need to try to keep this paper from being too long I will be using excerpts taken from the following web-sites.
[gotquestions.org/Diocletian] [answers.com/Q/How_did_the_Edict_of_Toleration_affect_the_spread_of_Christianity]
[christianitytoday.com/history/issues/issue-28/313-edict-of-milan]
· On February 23, 303, Diocletian launched his campaign against Christianity
· Those who refused the emperor’s demands could expect torture and death.
· Galerius possibly masterminded the Great Persecution
· Galerius issued the Edict of Toleration in 311 CE
· Theoretically, the Edict of Toleration ought to have provided permanent freedom of religion
· This analysis shows that the practical effect of the Edict of Toleration on the spread of Christianity was quite limited
· 313 The Edict of Milan: The agreement (Constantine ruling the West and Licinius the East) shifted Christianity from being an illicit, persecuted sect to being a welcome—and soon dominant—religion of the Roman Empire.
The years 303 to 313 does represent a year for a day and the worst persecution that Christians had to endure.
In regard to the reference about the Jews Albert Barnes Commentary is helpful. He gives a detailed account of the Jews hatred for Christians by reflecting on the 155 A.D. martyrdom of Polycarp in Smyrna.
The Jews of Smyrna were among the most bitter of the enemies of Christians, and among the most violent in demanding the death of Polycarp. Eusebius (Eccl. Hist. 4:15) says, that when Polycarp was apprehended, and brought before the proconsul at Smyrna, the Jews were the most furious of all in demanding his condemnation. When the mob, after his condemnation to death, set about gathering fuel to burn him, “the Jews,” says he, “being especially zealous, as was their custom ran to procure fuel.” And when, as the burning failed, the martyr was pierced with weapons, the Jews urged and besought the magistrate that his body might not be given up to Christians.
When John's message was sent to Smyrna there wasn't bloody persecution directed to just a single Christian but to all Christians. The content of the message shows that the Jews were involved to the degree that they were considered a synagogue of Satan. They were not true Jews as Romans 2:28 testifies to.
Rom. 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
Albert Barnes: "He who is merely descended from Abraham, and is circumcised, and externally conforms to the Law only, does not possess the true character, and manifest the true spirit, contemplated by the separation of the Jewish people. Their separation required much more".
It is apparent that those, in the churches, who overcome will not be in any danger of being cast into the lake of fire. Because of God's spirit dwelling in them they will be passed over from that fate.
To the Church in Pergamos
Rev 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
Rev 2:13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
Rev 2:14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
Rev 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
Rev 2:16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
Rev 2:17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
The history of Pergamos is so interesting that I feel that it is needful to include some of it. [Wikipedia.org/wiki/Pergamon] has more of the detailed history of the city.
The earliest mention of Pergamon in literary sources comes from Xenophon 's Anabasis. "The march of the Ten Thousand under Xenophon's command ended at Pergamon in 400/399 BC". The city became more and more prominent through the centuries. Pergamos became the capital of Asia Minor for a time. Smyrna, a rival city, was a commercial center, and as it increased in wealth, it gradually became the political center. Later, when it became the capital, Pergamos remained the religious center.
That fact is so important because Jesus speaks of Pergamos as being "Satan's seat" and "where Satan dwelleth". The Great Altar of Pergamon is considered to be one of the greatest surviving monuments from antiquity. It is now located in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, Germany, the altar is thought by many scholars to be the “throne of Satan,” referred to in the message given to the church.
The message to the church in Pergamos includes a historical reference when it states "even in those days". "Those days" indicate the martyrdom of Antipas was in the past. From the time of Antipas the faith of the saints in Pergamos remained strong, even to the time of the people that the massage is directed to. Antipas began turning the people away from offering sacrificial worship to their carnal idols. This angered the pagan priests and led them to disgrace him for misleading the people and turning them away from their ancestral gods. In A.D. 92, according to tradition, Antipas of Pergamos, who was a personal disciple of the Apostle John, was roasted to death in a brazen or copper bull during the persecutions of Emperor Domitian.
The city of Pergamos maintained its name from 399 B.C. all the way to the Byzantine times. Through that time it continued as a pagan and then a "Christian" religious center. It is recorded that a bishop of the Byzantine era lived there. The town fell into the hands of the Seljuks in 1304, and in 1336 it was taken by Suleiman, the son of Orkhan, and became Turkish with the name of Bergama.
The church that the message was directed to had problems. There were those who still held the Old Testament doctrine of Balaam. Specifically to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication. The doctrine of the Nicolaitans was relatively new. It sprang up in the time of the apostolic church. As mentioned before they also comingled pagan practices with those taught by Jesus. The saints in the church were told to repent because they hadn't taken steps to put the reprobates out.
The words "and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth" are most serious. Rev. 19:15,21 gives the sense of the severity.
Rev 19:15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
Rev 19:21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.
Once again the message to Pergamos is applicable to ALL the churches. Those who overcome will be fed "hidden" manna". In other words, understanding that can come only to God's people.
To the Church in Thyatira
Rev 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass;
Rev 2:19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.
Rev 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.
Rev 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.
Rev 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
Rev 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
Rev 2:24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
Rev 2:25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come.
Rev 2:26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Rev 2:27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.
Rev 2:28 And I will give him the morning star.
Rev 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
There is a lot of information that would relate to the original church. It was the smallest of the seven cities yet it was the longest message sent to the churches. Thyatira was specially noted for the trade guilds which were probably more completely organized there than in any other ancient city. The most powerful among them was the guild of coppersmiths. Jesus speaks of Himself to the church as "the Son of God, who hath His eyes like unto a flame of fire, and His feet are like fine brass." This image would be recognizable to the people who worked in foundries with their flaming furnaces, where brass was manufactured. Another strong guild was the one that produced purple dye.
Act 16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
Is there any doubt the Spirit of God was dwelling in and directing the saints of Thyatira? They withstood the pressure from the guilds to participate in their misconduct. The nature of the guilds was such that they would include participation in pagan feasts and immoral practices. The guilds were therefore naturally opposed to Christianity. Yet, with the churches level of righteousness, they had among their midst a woman that tried to persuade them to follow after corrupt ways. Spiritual Jezebel was the tempter to the church of Thyatira as was the literal Jezebel to Ahab and Israel of old. The message shows that she had some level of influence over some in the church and that she had been reproved for her ways. I think it is important to recognize that severe judgment was directed only to the one called Jezebel --- and her children. I think that it is credible to consider that the prophetic period of this church was from the time that the Universal "Roman" Church became dominant to the beginning of the reformation that was begun by Luther.
Rev 17:4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication:
To the Church in Sardis
Rev 3:1 "And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, 'These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: "I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
Rev 3:2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.
Rev 3:3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.
Rev 3:4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
Rev 3:5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.
Rev 3:6 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
Some of the history of Sardis is helpful to understand the condition of the church.
Sardis means "those escaping" or "that which remains." The name and message, indicate that it had a good start but a bad finish. Lydia was one of the richest kingdoms of the ancient world. The natural defenses of Sardis made the guards and citizen proud and overconfident. It was situated 1500 feet above a surrounding plain. There the rock was so precipitous that it would seem impossible to scale it. Herodotus states that the soldier "climbed the rock himself and other Persians followed in his track, until a large number had mounted to the top". Sardis was taken by surprise because of the failure of the guards to watch. Cyrus captured the city in 549 BC. Also, Sardis never fully recovered from the earthquake of AD 17. "A great cause of the prosperity and wealth of the Lydian kingdom was the natural fertility of the country. No other of all Asia Minor had so rich a soil."-History of the World, Volume 1, Page 231. Sardis was the capital of the kingdom of Lydia after the fall of the Roman Empire in Asia in AD 395.
When this message was written, the city was rapidly waning in prestige and glory, but its inhabitants were still boastful of the reputation and history of the past.
The prophetic period started with the Reformation and lasted to the beginning of the Philadelphia church. A principal reason for the struggling life of God's church is because of the dramatic reforms that were brought by Martin Luther. The Church of God has always based its faith on the Bible. Luther looked to the Bible for his faith and began the Protestant Reformation. This appealed to many who had a desire to follow the precepts found in the Bible, so they were attracted to the new doctrine.
The "protestants" were ardent in their belief of their superior knowledge. The principle changes that came from Luther were; Scriptures are the sole infallible rule of faith, Christians are saved by the grace of God, justification and salvation are not the result from any human merit or works and Christ is the only One who can offer eternal life and effect change. But, the doctrines of the emerging Protestant churches were lacking in essential Biblical true teachings. They still believed in the Christianization of the mythologies that became Christmas and Easter. They didn't keep the Sabbath day Holy but believed that Sunday was "the Lords day". They had no interest in the seven annual Holy days. And they believed other precepts that were not of the Bible.
Yet, through those hundreds of years there were a few that maintained vital truths and provided a beginning for the Philadelphia era.
To the Church in Philadelphia
Rev 3:7 "And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, 'These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "HE WHO HAS THE KEY OF DAVID, HE WHO OPENS AND NO ONE SHUTS, AND SHUTS AND NO ONE OPENS":
Rev 3:8 "I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.
Rev 3:9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who sayG3004 (to lay forth) they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.
Rev 3:10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.
Rev 3:11 Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.
Rev 3:12 He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.
Rev 3:13 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."
The message begins with the statement relating to the "KEY OF DAVID". John Gill's commentary has a credible thought concerning that statement.
"and by the key of David is meant the key of the house of David; that is, the church of Christ, of which David's house and family were a type: and this key is either the key of knowledge, or it is expressive of power and authority"
Also, the key can have a connection to making known the hidden manna spoken of in the message to Pergamos. I believe it can be shown that the Philadelphian church published truths that had been essentially hidden for centuries. Verse 8 does say that church "kept My word". This does imply that all of the words that we have received from God are vital to our hope of salvation.
John 5:24 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.
John 8:51 Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death."
There is significant evidence that Herbert W. Armstrong was instrumental with the beginning of the Philadelphian era of the Church of God. A principle reason to believe this is because he recognized the need to do what he could to fulfill Matthew 24:14 and Mark 13:10.
Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.
Mar 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all the nations.
The following HWA statement is taken from the The Bible Advocate in 1928.
... the Adventists and the Church of God...Have either of these bodies been, so far, winning converts to the message by the thousands--by whole cities? Has this message, so far, gone forth with the POWER, the BOLDNESS, and the results in converts ... ? ... It can't be because God is not doing His part ... Folks, let's come to life! Let's awake from this state of coma. Let's tear away from the inertia that holds us ... Perhaps we need MORE POWER!
The initial name of the church he founded was "Radio Church of God". Later it was changed to the "World Wide Church of God". That church did have phenomenal growth and at one time it grew at a rate of 30% per year --- for a number of years. It was the fastest growing church in the United States for a period of time. But, over the years the church incurred serious departures from clear Biblical teachings. Yet, there are many that have held to the principals that would be commensurate with the ways and beliefs of God's true church. The fundamental Biblical precepts have reached into all the nations of the world.
Now we have to consider verse 9. The importance of this verse has been largely overlooked and not given any significant attention. It is interesting that much of the wording is similar to the words found in the message to Smyrna.
To Smyrna: and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.
To Philadelphia: Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you
The principle relationship the Smyrna church had with the Jews was a hatred that the Jews had for those Christians. The relationship that today's Philadelphia church has with the Jews would be considered amicable. No hatred at all. Who then are these people that say they are Jews and lie? I have never met a Protestant or Catholic that thinks of themselves as Jews. So then why are these words directed to the Philadelphia church? The only reason that I could think of is because many people of the Church of God have learned and follow common Jewish doctrine. The following are an example of those doctrines.
· There are those who are not Jews that follow the Jewish "calculated" calendar. As a result they don't keep the Holy Days at the time that the Biblical calendar does. There are those that say that there is no calendar recorded in the Bible. No Biblical calendar. Why would God command the Holy Days be kept and not provide a calendar that would show the true times to keep them? The "calculated" calendar is off by a day for most Holy Days. And at periodic times they are off a month to keep an appointed meeting (moed) with God.
· There are those that call the fourth Holy Day the "Feast of Trumpets" as do the Jews. The true Biblical reference and meaning for this day is the "Memorial of great Shouting". This day has awesome true significance. The KJV is misleading here and elsewhere. There are those that have followed the KJV translation rather that look to the original Hebrew for a correct translation of the term "teruah".
· The Bible gives us a seven day Feast of Tabernacles. An eight day Feast of Tabernacles is created by making the eighth day the "Great White Throne Judgment".
jewishawareness.org/the-feast-of-tabernacles/
Numbers 9:35 speaks of the concluding eighth day of this feast, known as Sh’mini Atzeret. Although, technically, it is a separate holiday, it is commonly linked with Tabernacles.
Joh 7:37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
The "last day" of the feast is the seventh day of the Feast of Tabernacles. It is also the great day of the feast being the Great White Throne Judgment period. The "eight day" is referred to as a "solemn assembly H6113, H6116". It has the following Hebrew meanings.
H6116 ats-aw-raw' From H6113; an assembly, especially on a festival or holiday: - (solemn) assembly (meeting).
H6113 A primitive root; to inclose; by analogy to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble: - X be able, close up, detain, fast, keep (self close, still), prevail, recover, refrain, X reign, restrain, retain, shut (up), slack, stay, stop, withhold (self).
The "Great White Throne Judgment" represents the greatest outpouring of the Holy Spirit of any time recorded in the Bible, the great day. It would not be a time of "restraint".
· "The Lords Supper" is called the Old Testament Jewish term "Passover" by many. Paul named the time of taking the bread and the wine --- the Lords Supper.
1Co 11:20 When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.
Paul was a Pharisee of Pharisees and kept the Passover all his life. The Lords Supper was a relatively new ordinance and he fully understood the term that he used in fulfilling his responsibility for that special "supper". --- After taking the bread and wine, "The Lords Supper", Jesus gives the most fulfilling and beautiful words that leads to eternal life. They are recorded in John chapters 14 thru 17. These fours chapters give us the full essence of the New Testament. The Passover of the first born and the obedience of the Israelites in Egypt was a "type" of the way to eternal life for everyone. The Passover is distant history. The Lord's Supper has memorialized the way to receive eternal life. As we remember the sacrifice of Jesus through the bread and wine and the words of those four chapters we are given the awesome "way" to an abundant eternity.
The following papers from "Evidence of Truth" deal with the principle doctrines. --- Answers to a COG Calendar Doctrinal Statement; The Day of Teruah; The Day of Teruah/The Feast of Trumpets? ; The Eighth Day; The Lord's Supper.
It should be pointed out that in the Smyrna church the people "who say they are Jews" were deemed blasphemous and were considered the synagogue of Satan. Satan is a liar. The people spoken of in the message to the Philadelphia Church were "of the" synagogue of Satan. In other words, they were partaking or participating in something that is not true.
Verse 10 has the most comforting words that one can hear and those words clearly show the prophetic nature of the messages. The Philadelphia era continues all the way to the resurrection of the saints. The church is spoken of being protected for the duration of the world wide tribulation.
Lastly, the people of this church have the name of God and the name of New Jerusalem written on them. Of the seven churches this is the only church that has been specifically given that honor.
To the Church in Laodicea
Rev 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:17 Because 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:
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Rev 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
We are familiar with the cold refreshing water and the hot therapeutic springs of Laodicea's neighbors. Being "lukewarm" and with sickening attitudes Jesus expressed His disgust. The warning to this church is truly dire. "I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing" Their hubris is a great offence. So then what makes up their thinking? They would have a resistance and contempt to needed change. That change would be necessary to bring them into the "good graces" of God. To repent requires change. Verse 18 may be a warning that they will have to endure fiery trial.
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Rev 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
Rev 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
Every single message was also directed to all of the churches --- for that time --- through the centuries and for now. By God's grace we will heed and fulfill all of the instructions that are in the messages.