Jesus' message to the church in Pergamum
Jesus’ message to the church in Pergamum
1. Background facts about the church in Pergamum
The city of Pergamum, located about 60 miles north of the Smyrna church, officially held the first place in Asia for Emperor worship. This rich city, which was famous for idolatry, was also known as the “City of Temples”.
2. Jesus introducing himself to the church in Pergamum.
Revelation 2:12
“To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of the One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword.”
It is God’s judgment, and God’s judgment is based on the sword of God’s word.
3. Jesus’ appreciation of the good qualities of the congregation of Pergamum.
Revelation 2:13
“I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city —where Satan lives.”
i. “I know where you live”
At that time, Pergamum was located in a very difficult place to worship and serve God, and Jesus was the first to announce to the church that He knew it.
Children of God, do not forget this, our Lord Jesus knows our surroundings and the obstacles and difficulties in it. He, who knows the situation around us better than we do, has placed us there to be a light to that area, to live as His witnesses.
ii. “Where satan’s throne is”
The city of Pergamum is officially considered the first place for emperor worship in Asia.
And due to Caesar August’s great pressure to worship the ‘Roma’ goddess, there was a lot of antitheism in Pergamum.
Some history books mention that there was snake worship in the city of Pergamum.
For those reasons, the city of Pergamum was a very difficult place for God to worship.
The Church of Pergamum Praised by Jesus
– Holding fast the name of Jesus
– Presence of trustworthy witnesses
– Not giving up faith
4. Deficiencies in the Church of Pergamum
Jesus said two things against the church.
– The presence of Balaam’s teachers in the congregation.
Revelation 2:14
“Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality.”
– The presence of the Nicolaitans in the church.
Revelation 2:15
“In the same way, some of you also hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.”
5. Jesus’ promise to the overcomer
“I will give you the hidden manna
(Read John 6:31,51, 1 Cor 10:3,4)
– “I will give you a white stone”
White means holy. Jesus is the purified stone
(Read Daniel 2:34, 1 Cor 10:4)
– “Give a new name”
Jesus gives us a new, separate name.