The church at Pergamum, addressed in Revelation 2:12–17, is the third of the seven churches to receive a message from Jesus. Known for living in a challenging environment, Pergamum faced unique struggles with false teachings and societal pressures. Jesus’ message to this church combines commendation with correction, as He calls them to stand firm in faith and resist compromise.
Background on Pergamum
Pergamum was a major cultural and religious center in Asia Minor, known for its grand temples and the prominent worship of Greek and Roman gods. It was also the official center for emperor worship in the region, which created a particularly hostile environment for Christians. One of the most famous temples in Pergamum was dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing, symbolized by a serpent, which adds depth to the imagery in Jesus’ message.
Revelation 2:12-17 — Jesus’ Message to the Church at Pergamum
1. Description of Jesus (Verse 12)
“These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.”
- Jesus presents Himself as the one with a sharp, double-edged sword, representing the power of His word to judge and divide truth from falsehood (Hebrews 4:12).
- This introduction signifies His authority to judge the church’s conduct and teachings, especially necessary in a place where truth was often distorted by pagan practices.
2. Commendation (Verse 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.”
- Living “Where Satan Has His Throne”: Pergamum is described as the place “where Satan has his throne,” likely referring to its status as a center of pagan worship and emperor worship. The presence of temples dedicated to Zeus, Asclepius, and the emperor cult made Pergamum a spiritually dark city.
- Faithfulness Amid Persecution: Jesus commends the believers for staying true to His name, despite their challenging environment. They even remained faithful in the face of martyrdom, as seen in the example of Antipas, a believer who was martyred for his faith.
- This commendation acknowledges the church’s courage and resilience in a hostile culture.
3. Criticism (Verses 14-15)
“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. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.”
- The Teaching of Balaam: Jesus compares some members of the church to Balaam, who in the Old Testament enticed Israel to compromise through idolatry and immorality (Numbers 22–24; 31:16). This implies that some in Pergamum were compromising with pagan practices, likely due to pressure to conform to the cultural norms of idol worship and moral looseness.
- Nicolaitan Influence: The Nicolaitans, whose practices are also criticized in the message to Ephesus, promoted a form of compromise with pagan practices. The teaching encouraged Christians to participate in the immoral and idolatrous practices common in their society, likely under the guise of “freedom” or “tolerance.”
- Jesus calls out this compromise, warning that tolerating these teachings could spiritually weaken and corrupt the church.
4. Call to Repentance (Verse 16)
“Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.”
- Call to Action: Jesus calls the church to repentance, especially those who are compromising. He warns that if they do not change, He will “fight against them with the sword of [His] mouth.”
- This warning emphasizes the seriousness of allowing false teachings and moral compromise within the church, as Jesus will act to purify His people and uphold truth.
5. Promise to the Overcomer (Verse 17)
“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.”
- Hidden Manna: Manna, the miraculous food God provided for Israel in the wilderness, represents spiritual nourishment and provision from God. The hidden manna could symbolize the spiritual sustenance and eternal life that Jesus promises to those who remain faithful.
- White Stone with a New Name: White stones were used as tokens of acceptance or invitations to special events in ancient times. Here, it could symbolize acceptance and personal fellowship with Jesus. The new name implies a unique identity and intimate relationship with Christ, something deeply personal and known only to the recipient.
Lessons from the Church at Pergamum
- Faithfulness in a Hostile Environment: Pergamum demonstrates that even in the most challenging environments, believers can remain true to their faith. This commendation encourages Christians to stand firm despite social or cultural pressures to compromise.
- The Danger of Compromise: The criticism against Pergamum shows that even small compromises in doctrine or moral standards can be destructive. Jesus’ rebuke highlights the importance of purity in teaching and conduct.
- Repentance and Correction: Jesus gives Pergamum a clear choice: repent or face His judgment. This call reminds us that correction, though difficult, is a chance to restore right standing and preserve the church’s witness.
- Promise of Spiritual Provision and Identity: The hidden manna and the white stone with a new name serve as promises of spiritual sustenance and unique identity in Christ. These promises encourage believers to remain steadfast, looking forward to the personal relationship and provision that Christ offers.
Summary
The message to the church at Pergamum is a call to faithfulness and purity. Jesus commends their courage in a difficult setting but warns against the dangers of compromise. His promise of hidden manna and a white stone reassures believers of His intimate, sustaining presence, encouraging them to hold fast to truth and resist the influences that could lead them away from Him.