The Book of Revelation has seven letters written to seven churches in Asia Minor. These seven churches represent the church throughout the church age until Jesus returns. This third church is the church of Pergamum.

1 – The city of Pergamos (vs. 12)

The city was prominent in the area:-

• It was a city of higher education. An ancient Cambridge or Oxford. It was a sinner of instruction. This was an intellectual city with a city library holding over 20,000 volumes, second only to the ancient library of Alexandria at that time. The word ‘parchment’ actually comes from the city’s name Pergamos.
• It was also a city of idolatry. There were temples to all the main false gods. Wickedness prevailed but there was a Christian church. This church was located near where the devil was most busy. These people witnessed near wickedness. They were in the “hot seat”. You may be the only Christian in your work or your family. All around you seem evil and do not love the name of Jesus. We are called to be lights to the world and it shines the brightness in the dark corners.

2 – A word of commendation (vs. 13)

The church is commended for some good things.

• Their works – “I know your works”. He knew this Church intimately. – He knew their situation.

1. The seat of Satan was in the city. The Devil is not in Hell and He has never been there. He is going to Hell. He is free and roaming. See 2 Corinthians 4:4 & Ephesians 2:2.
2. He cares about their situation. See Hebrews 13:5. God will never leave or forsake you. See Hebrews 4:14-16. He will help you.

• He knew their steadfastness – “where you dwellest”. It means a permanent residence or to settle down. This Church had settled down and Satan would not chase them away. They had power amid the pain. They were holding on to the name of Jesus in the “hot seat” of Satan. The name of Jesus is more important than any other name. See Acts 4:12. They had not denied the faith. They were doctrinally pure. There are certain doctrines that we cannot falter on. The inspiration of the Bible is one of those doctrines. The Bible is “God-breathed” and the standard to the Church. Jesus was born of a virgin, died for our sins but rose again with victory over death. Those that deny these things are denying the faith. There are small things we don’t need to agree on.
• He knew their sacrifices – Tradition tells us that Antipas was consecrated bishop of Pergamos by the Apostle John. When he was old, he was caught by the idolaters of Pergamos. They put the Antipas in a red-hot brazen bull and roasted him alive. On April 11 the memory of Antipas, Bishop of Pergamos is still celebrated by the Orthodox Churches around the world. Antipas means “against all” and he stood against all odds for the faith that was once and for all handed down to him by the Apostles. When thing gets tough, we are not to turn our backs on Jesus.

3 – A word of confrontation (vs. 14-16)

There are two big things that Jesus confronts:-

• The corruption in the membership (vs. 14) – There was many in the Church was married to the world. They were following the old doctrine of Balaam. Balaam wanted the curse the children of Israel for money. Each time he tried, he ended up blessing them. He wanted the money so he encouraged the people to intermingle and the religion became intermingled. They committed spiritual adultery. God cursed Israel and thousands of them were killed. You can mix the world with spiritual things. We are not to be like the world. We can’t accept Islam, Buddhism or other religions that takes us away from following the true God. See 1 John 2:15-19. People love the world because the love of God is not in them. The world will pass away. Those who obey the Lord will live forever. We are to shine in the darkness. We don’t have to be like the immoral world. We are to be in the world but not of the world.
• The confusion in the leadership (vs. 15) – The word “Nicolaitan” is a compound of “nikao” (to conquer, or overcome) and “laos” (people) and so many have understood this group as “conquering the people” in some sense. They saw themselves as above the people. The ground is level at the cross. No one person is higher than anyone else. Christ is the only one who is to be elevated.

They are to repent or Christ will fight against them with the sword of His mouth (vs. 16). God’s Word is a sword. It cuts through evil. The Devil can’t stand God’s Word and will flee. Jesus used it in his confrontations with Satan.

4 – A word on consolation (vs. 17)

There are two promises that He gives the Church. God will make special provisions:-

• “Hidden manna”. This was the manna that was put in the Ark of the Covenant. God will go into His innermost resources and meet your needs. If you serve God He will bless you. You do know that? See Philippians 4:19. He will supply all of your needs according to His riches. God will provide them with spiritual sustenance.
• “White Stone”. God will also give you a white stone with a name on it known only by the one who receives it. You say, “What is that white stone?” It is probably a diamond. I believe that the name on it is the name of the individual who receives it. A white stone was used to indicate that someone was accepted or favoured. When somebody wanted to show someone else how highly favoured he was he would give him a diamond. When we come into a relationship with Jesus Christ, we are highly favoured by Him. He promises to give us a beautiful diamond with our name carved on it. That’s our eternal inheritance.

Categories: Revelation