Revelation chapter 2: Seven Churches - Pergamum

III. Pergamum – Background – A very prominent city in the history of Asia Minor. It was the capital city for the Macedonian kings who ruled Asia Minor following the death of Alexander the Great. In 133 B.C., the last king of Pergamum willed his kingdom to Rome. Under Roman rule, Pergamum continued to serve as the capital of the region. It was a very religious city. The first temple to Roman emperor was built here. Overtime, imperial cult worship flourished in Pergamum with more shrines and temples built to dead Roman emperors. The city also had temples to various Roman and Greek gods. The two largest were for Zeus, the king of the Greek gods, who was referred to by his followers as “Zeus the Savior” and Asclepius, a god of healing whose symbol was the caduceus – a snake wrapped around a staff. Moreover, there were also many in Pergamum who practiced mystery cults – religions that had secret rituals and teachings. Gods worshipped in mystery cults were commonly fertility gods which means sexual immorality was one of the rituals. They were a mixture of Greek, Roman, and Eastern religions. From all of this, one can conclude that Pergamum was extremely tolerant of religions. One can worship Zeus one day, Asclepius the next, a Roman Caesar the next, a mystery cult the next, etc. You can practice Christianity as long as you did not speak disparagingly of other religions (example - don’t say that someone other than Zeus is a Savior) and you participated in the imperial cult which was required in Pergamum.

1. How does Jesus introduce Himself? The words of him who has the sharp two-edged
sword. Does not sound good for Pergamum

2. Words of praise – They have not renounced Jesus despite the fact that a) they live in a very ungodly city. Jesus called it the place where Satan’s throne is/where Satan dwells. Implies that Satan has a firm grip on the city. Evident in all the temples and shrines to other gods. Satan’s throne may be a reference to popular imperial cult. b) Christians have experienced persecution. Antipas – according to church tradition John ordained Antipas as bishop of the Pergamum during the reign of the Roman emperor Domitian. Around 90 A.D., he was brought before an image of Caesar and told to confess that Caesar was God. When he refused, the Roman official said, "Antipas, don't you know that the whole world is against you?" to which he replied, "Then Antipas is against the whole world!" Antipas was then placed inside of a brass bull which was heated with fire until he was roasted to death.

3. Words of criticism – There were people in the church who practiced false teachings. Specifically, the teachings of Balaam. For the full story of Balaam read Numbers 22-25; 31:15-16. In short, Balaam was a prophet hired by some kings to get God to curse the Israelites. When Balaam tried to curse the Israelites, all that came out of his mouth were blessings. Balaam then advised the kings to send young women to seduce the Israelite men to commit sexual immorality and join them in worshipping Baal. Balaam’s plan was successful. Evidently, there were members of the church in Pergamum who were doing the same. They probably were participating in mystery cults that practiced sexual immorality. Other members who accepted the beliefs of the Nicolaitans (See notes on Ephesus.) Evidently, no one in the church was condemning their fellow church members for compromising their faith. They exhibited a tolerant attitude. Given the tolerant religious culture of the city that is not surprising. As long as they worshipped God on Sunday, they can worship whoever they want Monday-Saturday. The spirit of tolerance was the Achilles’ heel for the church of Pergamum. Jesus knew it and Satan knew it. Satan attempted to kill the church through persecution. Didn’t work. He went to plan B. Corrupt the church from within. Satan took advantage of their tolerance toward other religions. People practicing other religions attended the church. They enticed Christians to sin by encouraging them to participate in their immoral activities.

4. If they don’t repent… - I will come soon and war against you with the sword of my mouth. What does that mean? How did Jesus introduce himself to Pergamum? What is significant about a two-edged sword? Very sharp and cuts both ways. Read Hebrews 4:12. Jesus will use the Word of God to clean house in Pergamum.
5. Promise if they overcome – a) Hidden manna – food given to the Israelites that enabled them to survive in the wilderness. Manna’s significance in the spiritual sense equates to eternal life (John 6:49-50.) b) Given a white stone with a new name – Symbolized acquittal by a jury. Defendant was given a white stone symbolizing his innocence. White stones also used as admission to a banquet. In the context of Revelation, white stone with a new name that no one knows except the one who receives it symbolizes the innocence one receives through Christ. You are a new person with a new name. The white stone also represents your invitation to a blessed eternity.