Revelation 3:18-19

3. Exhortation 3:18-19

Since they considered themselves to be rich but were spiritually poor Jesus urged them to "buy," implying self-sacrifice, the things they really needed (cf. Isaiah 55:1). Instead of real gold they should buy "gold refined by fire," namely, pure spiritual riches (cf. Psalms 66:10; Proverbs 17:3; Zechariah 13:9; Luke 12:21; 1 Timothy 6:18; James 1:3-4; James 2:5; 1 Peter 1:7; 1 Peter 4:12-13). Instead of the black garments that were popular in Laodicea they should buy "white garments" that symbolize righteous conduct (Revelation 19:8). [Note: Mounce, p. 127.] Instead of the eye salve that the Laodiceans produced and sold they should purchase spiritual "eye salve," probably a reference to the Word of God that enables us to see life realistically (cf. John 9:6; 1 John 2:20; 1 John 2:27).

The Lord reminded His readers that He said what He did because He loved them (cf. Proverbs 3:11-12). They should, therefore, be zealous (Gr. zeleue, cf. zestos, "hot," Revelation 3:15-16) and repent (i.e., repent with zeal). The only way cold people can become hot in their love for the Lord is to repent (i.e., do an "about face").