[3:15] 1 sn Laodicea was near two other towns, each of which had a unique water source. To the north was Hierapolis which had a natural hot spring, often used for medicinal purposes. To the east was Colossae which had cold, pure waters. In contrast to these towns, Laodicea had no permanent supply of good water. Efforts to pipe water to the city from nearby springs were successful, but it would arrive lukewarm. The metaphor in the text is not meant to relate spiritual fervor to temperature. This would mean that Laodicea would be commended for being spiritually cold, but it is unlikely that Jesus would commend this. Instead, the metaphor condemns Laodicea for not providing spiritual healing (being hot) or spiritual refreshment (being cold) to those around them. It is a condemnation of their lack of works and lack of witness.
[3:21] 2 tn Grk “The one who conquers, to him I will grant.”
[3:21] 3 tn Or “who is victorious”; traditionally, “who overcomes.”
[3:21] 4 tn Grk “I will give [grant] to him.”
[3:21] 5 tn Or “have been victorious”; traditionally, “have overcome.”
