PERGAMOS
12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. 14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
Rev 2:12-17 (KJV)
Pergamos was situated opposite the island of Lesbos, about 15 miles from the Aegean Sea.
In It's early history Pergamos became a city-state, then a powerful nation after Attalus defeated the Galatians.
Great buildings were erected and a library containing over 200,000 items was established.
The Egyptians, concerned with this library which rivaled their own at Alexandria, refused to ship papyrus (paper) to Pergamos.
As a result, a new form of writing material, Pergamena charta, or parchment paper was developed.
Not only was pergamos a government center with three imperial temples, it was also the site of the temple of Asklepios the Greek god of medicine and healing.
Here in Pergamos was also the temple of Athena and the temple of Zeus.
In the Bokk of Revelation Jesus spoke of Pergamos as the place where satans throne is.
Library
Temple of Asklepios
Temple of Athena
Temple of Zeus
Click On Photos To Enlarge Them
The Church At Pergamos Revelation 2:12-17
Just as the Romans used their swords for authority and judgment, Jesus' sharp, double-edged sword represents God's ultimate authority and judgment. It may also represent God's future separation of believers and unbelievers. Unbelievers cannot experience the eternal rewards of living in God's kingdom.
As the center of four idolatrous cults, (Zeus, Dionysius, Asklepios, and Athena) Pergamos is called the city where satans seat is.
Surrounded by worship of satan and the Roman emperor as god, the church at Pergamos refused to deny Christ even when satans worshipers martyred one of their members Antipas.
Standing firm against the strong pressures and temptations of society is never easy, but the alternative is deadly.
It was not easy to be a Christian in Pergamos. Believers experienced great pressure to compromise or leave their faith. Nothing is known about Antipas except that he did not compromise his faith. he was faithful and he died for his faith.
Apparently, however, some in the church were tolerating those who taught or practiced what Christ opposed.
cooperate with people as much as you can but avoid any alliance, partnership or participation that leads to immoral practices.
There is room for differences of opinion among Christians in some areas, but there is no room for heresy and moral impurity.
Your town may not participate in idol feast, but it probably has pornography, sexual sin, cheating, gossiping and lying.
Don't ever tolerate sin under the pressure to be open minded!
But I have a few things against thee:
Balac was a king who feared the large number of Israelites traveling through his country, so he hired Balaam to pronounce a curse on them. Here Jesus rebukes the church for tolerating those like Balaam who lead people away from God.
The Nicoliatanes were believers who compromised their faith to enjoy some of the sinful practices of society.
It is believed that this group was headed by one of the original deacons in the book of Acts named Nicolas. (Acts 6:5)
When we want to take part in an activity we know is wrong we often make excuses to justify our behavior.
This really is not as bad as it seems.
It want hurt anything.
Well everybody else is doing it.
It will be OK I can stop anytime I want to stop.
Jesus always has strong words for those who look for excuses to sin.
The sword in verse 16 is God's judgment against rebellious nations and all forms of sin.
To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna:
Hidden manna suggest the spiritual nourishment the faithful believers will receive. As the Israelites traveled toward the Promised Land God provided manna from heaven for their physical nourishment. Jesus as the "Bread of Life" provides spiritual nourishment that satisfies our deepest hunger.
it is unclear what the white stones are or exactly what the names on each will be; since they relate to the hidden manna. They may be symbols of the believers eternal nourishment, or eternal life.
The stones are significant because each will bear the new name of every person who truly believes in Christ.
These stone are the evidence that a person has been accepted by God and declared worthy to receive eternal life.
God will give us new names and new hearts.
