Jesus tells the church at Laodicea that they are neither “hot” nor “cold” (3:15–16). How would they have heard this? As it turns out, Laodicea neighbored two cities, Hierapolis and Colossae. The hot springs of Hierapolis were of great medicinal value, while the cold springs of Colossae brought nourishment and refreshment. Laodicea, on the other hand, had a water supply that was lukewarm, tasteless, and useless. Unfortunately, the spiritual life of the church had become like her city’s water supply—lukewarm and useless.
