The Church of Pergamos/Pergamum

The message to Pergamos reveals a struggle that the church has always had to contend with.... false doctrine. Let's look at what Jesus had to say to this group of believers in Pergamum.

Rev 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges

As we have noted in other articles on the 7 churches of Rev., the way that Christ introduces Himself to each church is significant. Here, we see Jesus announcing Himself as the one with the sharp sword with the two-edges. The scriptures themselves declare that the Word of God is "quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword.." What better way to confront false doctrine, than to use the rightly divided Word of God to correct? The sword of the Spirit (the bible) is noted as being two-edged. It has the ability to convict, but also to heal- the Word of God is not "bound" and can perform the impossible. It is alive- it is the key to the new birth- it is the key to spiritual life and sustenance.

Rev 2:13 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.

As with the other letters to the other churches, we are confronted with the reality that Christ knows our works. He knows our hearts, our thoughts, and our deeds-whether they be good or bad. He goes even further to say that he knows where they dwell, and where "Satan's seat is." We could really only speculate as to the actual intended meaning here, but I think it is safe to infer that Pergamum was a place of political and religious significance because of this statement. We know from Eph 6 that there are divisions or ranks of demonic activity, and that the kingdom of darkness is not divided. We are also introduced here unto the man Antipas of whom not much is known, other than the fact that he was a martyr for Christ. Jesus commended Antipas and said he was a faithful martyr even in satan's dwellingplace. That should give us all courage to know that no matter what our environment is- we can still be faithful to Almighty God! Even the Psalmist states that "he prepares a table for me in the presence of my enemies." Praise God!

Revelation 2:14 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.

As is the model with some of the other churches, we now move from a commendation, to a rebuke from the Master. Here Jesus confronts those who hold and teach the doctrine of Balaam. In order to learn about Balaam, we must go back to the book of Numbers. In my opinion, this also underscores the need for studying the Old Testament. So many Christians feel that the Old Testament is just peripheral material that can be ignored. While we must understand the bible (and Christianity) through the paradigm of the cross and the resurrection, we still cannot ignore the Old Testament scriptures. Paul says they were written for our examples and that ALL scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for doctrine and reproof....etc. I'm going to post an excerpt from another article I wrote about the Nicolaitans below:

[quote from "The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans"]
Here in Pergamum, we see the "doctrine of Balaam" strictly condemned by Christ. It is important that we understand what Balaam's "doctrine" was, so that we may steer clear of it today. What the Old Testament alludes to- Jesus makes very plain - the doctrine of Balaam involved idolatry and sexual immorality. I'm not going to post the whole story of Balaam for the sake of time and space. I encourage you to read about him in Numbers chapters 22-24. To make a long story short, Balak hired Balaam (a prophet of sorts who is called a "southsayer" in Joshua 13:22 KJV) to curse Israel. After numerous attempts at bribing him by Balak, Balaam finally comes to the conclusion that he cannot curse what God has blessed (I could really preach here, but I'm going to resist the urge so that we can stay on track). It's going to take more than some verbal curse to make Israel vulnerable to her enemies. So he comes up with a strategy. This strategy is later revealed in Numbers 31:8,16. What becomes obvious is that Balaam's strategy included getting the children of Israel to commit sexual immorality with the Midianite women. In committing this trespass, the men of Israel were also mingling with the pagan gods worshipped by these women. This is a perfect example of religious syncretism. That's a big theological word, but it basically means a "mixture" of different belief systems. What makes it so deadly is that it gives the outward appearance of piety and reverence for God, all the while tolerating the things that He has so clearly designated as an abomination to Him. We must beware of this even today-now more than ever! [end quote]

Rev 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate

We also see the doctrine of this group condemned along with Balaam. This group apparently believed that sexual immorality and ungodly behavior would not affect one's standing in Christ (i.e. his/her salvation). We know this to be a false doctrine because God says we are to follow after holiness, without which "no man shall see the Lord." (Heb 12:14). For more commentary on the Nicolaitans I encourage you to read our article The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans

Rev 2:16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

As I have stated many times, we really don't like those conditional statements of the bible, but they're in there for a reason. Once again, a church is told "repent or else." The sword of the Spirit which brings comfort to the afflicted, healing to the oppressed, peace to the anxious, and salvation to the lost also has the capacity to destroy those who disobey it's commands. What a dreadful thought of having to confront the Savior and the sharp sword as He comes to us in judgement!

Rev 2:17 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.

As is the pattern with the other messages to the churches, there are promises for the "overcomers." Again we see the importance of Old Testament theology as Christ refers to the manna. The only difference here is that the reference is to "hidden" manna. The manna was food that kept them alive during their (the children of Israel) time in the wilderness. It was divine/supernatural provision. Jesus Christ is the source of all blessing and life. We also see the promise of a new name . This is yet another fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy found in Isaiah:

Isaiah 62:2And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name

The white stone reference could allude to several different themes. One tradition holds that a white stone was a token of acquittal in a criminal trial (i.e. the charges were dropped against the accused). Yet another holds that the white stone represents an invitation to a special event, or a token given to a victorious athlete. In any event, it is obvious that the white stone is of significance to those who overcome.

The important lessons we can learn from Pergamum are that Christ does not tolerate (and will confront) false doctrine, and also that even in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, we (like Antipas the faithful martyr) can take a bold stand for Christ!

Next: The Church at Thyatira