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. Isa. 55:1). Instead of real gold they should buy "gold refined by fire,"namely, pure spiritual riches (cf. Ps. 66:10; Prov. 17:3; Zech. 13:9; Luke 12:21; 1 Tim. 6:18; James 1:3; 2:5; 1 Pet. 1:7; 4:12). Instead of the black garments that were popular in Laodicea they should buy "white garments"that symbolize righteous conduct (19:8).178Instead 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, 27).
The Lord reminded His readers that He said what He did because He loved them (cf. Prov. 3:11-12). They should, therefore, be zealous (Gr. zeleue, cf. zestos, "hot,"vv. 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., change their minds).
