Text: Revelation 2:12-17
We have examined the loveless church (Ephesus) and the suffering church (Smyrna). Now we must consider what the risen Christ has to say to the compromising church. Pergamum was situated about 160Km north of Ephesus and about 25Km inland from the Mediterranean Sea. Ephesus and Smyrna may have been the commercial capitals of Asia Minor but Pergamum was the administrative capital. The Romans made Pergamum the capital of Asia. The Roman governor lived there.
TO THE CHURCH IN PERGAMUM
In vrs 13 Christ addresses His church in Pergamum, I know where you live – where Satan has his throne. Although the worship of Zeus, Dionysius and Asklepios was conducted on the acropolis in Pergamum it seems most likely that the Lord Jesus is referring to emperor worship in this phrase.
- CHRIST’S COMMENDATION (vrs 13) – Since the Roman governor lived in Pergamum, we can be sure that emperor worship was taken very seriously. One day a year people were compelled to approach a plinth carrying a bust of Caesar. A fire blazed in front and citizens were compelled to take a pinch of incense and throw it into the fire and utter the words Dominus et Deus (Lord and God). Faithful Christians refused and as a result they were arrested, thrown into prison and even killed. In vrs 13 we read, yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city – where Satan lives. A man called Antipas is mentioned. Church tradition says that he was the pastor of the church in Pergamum and that he was roasted alive in a bronze kettle. His faithfulness obviously encouraged the rest of the church because Christ commends them for remaining true to his name. The Roman proconsul who lived there had what was called the “ius gladii”, or right of sword. He could sentence people to death. How encouraging that the Lord Jesus Christ identified himself in vrs 12 as the one who has the sharp, double edged sword. It is almost as if Jesus is saying; “yes the proconsul has the right of sword, but there is a power greater than any earthly governor.” The power of Rome might be satanically great, but the power of the Christ is greater yet.
- CHRIST’S CRITICISM (vrs 14-16) – Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam . . . likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. What was the teaching of Balaam and who were the Nicolaitans? Balaam is mentioned in Numbers 22-25. When Israel came up out of Egypt, the Moabite king paid Balaam to curse Israel. The Lord would not permit this, but Balaam did manage to entice Israelite men (Numbers 31:16) into sexual unfaithfulness with Moabite women. Balaam’s satanic strategy was employed by the Nicolaitans. When a first century individual offered a private sacrifice at a pagan temple a token part was burned on the altar. The priest took a portion and another portion was given to the worshiper to throw a party for is friends at the temple. The temple was the restaurant of the day. Should a Christian accept an invitation to a meal in a pagan temple? Faithful Christians said NO! But false teachers called Nicolaitans encouraged full participation. “It can’t harm you. Go on enjoy yourself. What is wrong with eating this food?” After eating and drinking the evening would end with sexually immoral behaviour. Once again the Nicolaitans encouraged full participation. They ended up compromising. The church at Pergamum challenges our modern permissive sexual ethics.
- CHRIST’S COMFORT (vrs 17, 18) – First of all, Christ promises overcomers the hidden manna (Exodus 16, John 6:32, 33). Faithful believers will get to enjoy Christ in this life which is merely a foretaste of our eternal satisfaction. Secondly, Jesus promises overcomers I will also give him a white stone. White stones, or stones of friendship, called tesserae, were inscribed with certain words. If you were given such a stone by another family, you did not need a written invitation to attend any party at that house. Your tesserae gained you entrance. When a person became a Christian, the tesserae was removed. You became persona non grata. Jesus encourages faithful Christians by saying; “don’t worry. I will give you a white stone of friendship.” This is an invitation to the party of all parties – the marriage supper of the lamb.