This is the only instance in the seven letters where the description of Jesus is not taken from the visionary portrait of chp. 1. In describing himself as “The Amen” Jesus is probably alluding to Isa. 65:16, the only time this title is used of God. Our Lord discerns two things in Laodicea: (1) moral and religious tepidity or lukewarmness (vv. 15–16), and prideful self-sufficiency (v. 17). (1) Moral and religious tepidity (vv. 15–16) In sum, the Christianity at Laodicea was flabby and anemic!