CHURCH AT PERGAMON

 

CHURCH AT PERGAMON Continuing the Study of Revelation REVELATION 2.12  “To the angel of the assembly in Pergamon write: “He who has the sharp two-edged sword says these things: 2.13  “I know your works and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. You hold firmly to my name, and didn’t deny my faith in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 2.14  But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to throw a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 2.15  So you also have some who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans which I hate. 2.16  Repent therefore, or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth. There’s an intense spiritual battle going on in Pergamon (or Pergamum; either one is correct.) Jesus commends the believers who have held firmly to faith. But there’s always a mixture of different kinds of Christians in every Church, and some people had been led astray by false teaching. Jesus had a very stern warning for those who were snared by immoral doctrines. HISTORY Jesus told the people in the Church of Pergamon, “I know where you are: where Satan has his throne.”  There was an enormous pagan altar to Zeus in Pergamon, that resembled a huge throne. It was a main attraction for the city, because of its impressive size and the enormous carvings of Greek gods. There was also a temple for Athena. These pagan complexes dominated the hilltop at Pergamon.    THE REWARDS FOR PERGAMON REVELATION 2.17  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes, to him I will give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows but he who receives it.  -WEB Bible The city of Pergamon was very pagan, and the Christians were struggling. Jesus promised special gifts for those faithful Christians who could endure the persecution and the apostasy that was happening there. Both of these gifts – the hidden manna and the white stone with a secret name – these gifts refer to the special relationship with Christ that those who suffer persecution can testify to. Jesus walks very closely with those who suffer for His Name. They know the comfort of Christ in a way that others will never know. This study in Revelation will continue on Fridays. IMAGE CREDITS: - Map of the reconstructed view of the Acropolis of Pergamon by Friedrich Thierch – 1882, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons. - Images of the Pergamon candle, and the White Stone; were generated by SeaArt.ai and edited by C.A. Stevens.   Everyone I know (including me) is so very disturbed by the violence this past week... month... year. But the past week seems to be a breaking point for people. The awful train murder and then Charlie Kirk. And the obscene comments from people who approved of the assassination of Charlie Kirk! Where is basic human decency? I'm telling God we really want Jesus to come back! People are giving up hope for any real change or lasting peace. Jesus told us things would get worse before they get better; which is why we’re doing the Revelation study on Fridays. Jesus wants us to know He has a plan and He is in control: so we can have hope no matter what’s going on.