This week we will study the third of seven churches in Asia Minor written about by John in the book of Revelation. First, let me correct a statement from last week’s overview. I had stated that the church in Smyrna was unique in that Jesus had no rebuke for them. Actually, Philadelphia is the second church for which no corrective measures were prescribed. Geographically we continue to journey northward (50 miles) from Smyrna and Ephesus. Next week will turn south and east to Thyatira. Pergamum was the ancient capital of Asia and was built on a high hill rising 1,000 feet above the surrounding valley. The name is derived from the Greek word meaning citadel or tower. Pergamum was a leading city known for its library (second only to Alexandria). The city was also known for a large number of pagan temples, including a temple to Zeus, the highest of the Greek gods. They also followed the practice of emperor worship building the first temple to Augustus some thirty years before the birth of Christ. You can imagine the challenges the church faced in such a hostile climate.
Verses 12-13 begin with a commendation of the church’s commitment to Christ and the Christian faith. The words came from Christ who describes Himself as the One who “has the sharp, double-edged sword” proceeding from His mouth. This image was also used in Revelation 1:16 and 19:15,21. The image symbolizes the power of the words of Christ. Power and authority to judge all humanity resides in Christ and not the Roman Empire. Ephesians describes the word of God as the sword of the Spirit. In John 1 Jesus Christ is described as the Word (Logos) of the Lord. Next, Jesus tells them He is aware of their plight. He knows the extent of what they are facing. This is the home of Satan’s throne. This may refer to the temple of Zeus or the temple to Augustus. In any case the influence of darkness was strong in Pergamum. He also references the martyrdom of Antipas, a faithful witness. His death would have been well known to the people of the church. Through all of this they held fast to their faith and to the name of Christ.
Verses 14-15 While the words of commendation were something we could all hope to have spoken of us there are also words of reprimand. False teachings had been introduced within the church. These teachings had to do with eating meat sacrificed to idols and engaging in sexual immorality with temple prostitutes, a common practice in pagan worship. The Nicolaitans were a part in this. While their origins were unclear, they abused the grace and forgiveness of God in order to fulfill the desires of the flesh in excess.
We can rightly say we would never teach such things in the church. What then is the application for us? The culture of today is becoming more and more accepting of ungodly behaviors. There is a temptation to go along to get along by accepting and even in certain cases promoting worldly ideals that are contrary to biblical teaching. This is seen clearly in the current day in issues related to marriage, sanctity of life, sexuality, and gender identity. Many who claim the name of Christ have bowed and bent to worldly pressures to redefine the morals and norms that have stood for centuries within traditional Christian teaching. I cannot guess where all of this will lead, but we must always live to gain God’s approval rather than man’s approval. No amount of human wisdom can outweigh God’s revelation in these matters.
This is nothing new for humanity. Several times throughout the Old Testament book of Judges we see the phrase to the effect that – every man did what was right in his own eyes. The people would turn away from God and His truth. God would send/allow judgement to fall upon the Nation of Israel. The people would cry out for God’s deliverance. God would send a leader to guide them back to obedience. There would be peace and rest in the land until the Judge died. This cycle is repeated many times throughout the 400-year timespan of the book.
Verses 16-17 Just like the Ephesian church we studied two weeks ago Christ offers a way back to the right path for the church at Pergamum. The cure is found in the emphatic command to repent! Recall, to repent means to change direction and return to what they once knew. The unfaithful are called to turn their backs to the sinful practices they are entertaining and run back to the forgiving embrace of their Lord. He calls them to act quickly. The patience of God is being tested by His disobedient children. Here again we see the image of the “sword of my mouth” (Rev. 2:16). This is an image of correction and judgement. The church needs to act quickly to rid itself of false teachers or the judgement of Christ would fall upon them.
The people are to listen to what the Spirit says. Those who “conquer” will be provided for. We read of three symbolic references here. Those who overcome will be given “hidden manna.” Manna was a provision to the Hebrews as they wondered the desert on their way to the Promised Land. Some manna was preserved for future generations as a reminder of God’s faithfulness. As God provided for the Hebrews, He will continue to provide for the believer. Second, Jesus promised a “white stone” to the victorious believer. The meaning of the white stone is subject to varied interpretations. In those days, stones were presented to gain entrance to an event or banquet. Another use of the white stone was one of twelve stones on the breastplate worn by the High Priest. Each stone had the name of one of the twelve tribes inscribed upon it. Stones were also used to indicate a verdict in a court of law. A white stone was cast for a not guilty verdict, while a black stone was cast to indicate guilt. There are other possible meanings, but it is clear that the stone represented a blessing from God. Third, a “new name” is to be inscribed on the stone. The new name is significant as it signifies the new life a person receives through Christ. Our identity is changed by Him, and we continue to be conformed to His image as we obediently follow Christ. (See Isaiah 62:2, Colossians 3:10, 2 Cor 5:17, Romans 8:29). The Lamb’s book of life is another place where we see the names of faithful believers inscribed. I see a beautiful relationship between the believer’s new name written on the stone being included in the Lamb’s book of life. We read of the book in several places throughout Revelation. (Revelation 3:5, 13:8, 17:8, 20:15, 21:27, and Philippians 4:3).
The church at Pergamum is praised for its faithfulness and endurance in the face of persecution. However, they were warned to be on watch for those among who would mix the truth of God with ungodly beliefs and practices. We too must remain vigilant to stand for truth in the face of confusion and compromise. Humanity has always sought to define truth through an unworthy human standard, but God has promised to care for and reward those who hold fast to His truth.
