The third church that the apostle John penned a message to in the book of Revelation was Pergamum, also known as Pergamos. These messages were transcribed directly from Jesus and sent to seven churches in what is now present-day western Turkey. The book of Revelation was written in the latter days of John’s life, around 95 or 96 AD.
These letters show that, despite often needing rebuke or correction, churches are very important to the resurrected Christ. Even today, they are designed to be a vital source of spiritual power, revival, growth, encouragement, and revitalization. We tap into the Spirit of God through collective worship, prayer, study, and service. A Christ-centered church is a vital spiritual entity that we miss out on if we try to go through our spiritual journey alone.
John writes as Jesus dictates:
12 “To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 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.
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. 15 Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
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. Revelation 2:12-17 (NIV)
A first look at this passage draws our attention to a few items:
The sharp, double-edged sword in Jesus’ mouth. This is the word of God, which we need to listen to. Earlier, we saw how it divides between soul and spirit, working within our own hearts. Here another dimension is added – to fight against those who are actively sowing evil and harm within Christ’s churches. Jesus is very protective of His sheep – He is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for them. He will not sit back and let them become corrupted by evil leaven within His church.
Where Satan has his throne. Unlike God, Satan is a created being. We learn from the book of Isaiah that he was given great power and glory but fell from righteousness due to pride and a desire to be worshiped over God. He is evil, damaging, and powerful, but not omnipresent – he cannot be in more than one place at a time. Living near his throne in that era must have been a source of much trouble, temptation, and hardship for the Christian believers as well as Jewish worshipers. One person, Antipas, is mentioned as a faithful witness who was put to death for his faith.
The teaching of Balaam. One way to weaken a church is to encourage sinful behavior amongst the congregation. This can be done by sowing division or strife, spreading false accusations or gossip about church members, or in this case, through the encouragement of idolatry and sexual immorality among the body. This latter type of behavior – the lure of false gods accompanied by practices of fornication and adultery – is exactly what was recommended by the Old Testament prophet Balaam to Moabite king Balak. Afraid of the approaching Israelites, Balak had asked Balam how to weaken Israel. Up to that point, Israel had been obedient to God’s name and had racked up many victories on the battlefield. But the principles of God are unchanging, as true today as they were back then, and turning away from Him brings unhappy consequences:
4 The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply. Psalm 16:4 (ESV)
There is much to learn today from a reading of God’s letter to the church at Pergamum. Christ’s awareness of our doings and His warnings against pitfalls bear much fruit for our churches and ourselves as we listen to and obey the voice of God.
Reflection
What temptation holds the potential to harm you the most today? I have my own.
What things in my life do I know displease God?
What in my life needs cleansing to bring more in line with His will for me?
Lord God, thank You for Jesus, who died on a cross to bear all my sins, and rose from the dead to raise me to a new life in Him. I look to You to help me to remove all the things in my life that grieve the Holy Spirit, and to draw closer to You in purity as I seek to follow Your path. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Have a blessed and beautiful day in the Lord today.
Times and Seasons - The Book of Revelation FOR TODAY 