The saying “I am rich and need nothing” also occurs in a diatribe of Epictetus, who records these words coming from an imperial bailiff.51 Perhaps the saying was proverbial among the rich. But here the words come from the mouths of the Christians in Laodicea, who had adapted themselves completely to the citizenry. Thus, instead of the church influencing society, the reverse had taken place, with society leading the church. Next, the word rich may point to either material or spiritual possessions.