Scripture: Revelation 2:12–17
Pergamum (modern Bergama) was the Roman capital of Asia and a stronghold of pagan worship. Despite living “where Satan’s throne is,” the church remained loyal to Christ—but some members tolerated false teaching and moral compromise.
Why It Matters:
Pergamum warns believers against blending faith with worldly values. Even small compromises can weaken spiritual integrity.
Lesson:
Hold firmly to the truth of God’s Word. Faithfulness means refusing to let the world reshape the Gospel.
The revelation letter to the church in Pergamum (Revelation 2:12-17) is from Jesus, who identifies himself as having a sharp, double-edged sword. He acknowledges the church's faithfulness in a city where Satan has his throne and praises them for holding fast to his name, even in the face of martyrdom (Antipas). However, he also condemns them for tolerating those who hold to the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, which led some to commit sexual immorality and eat food sacrificed to idols. The letter calls for repentance, promising that those who overcome will receive hidden manna and a white stone with a new name.
Letter to the church in Pergamum
Praise: Jesus commends the believers for their steadfast faith and for holding onto his name, even during persecution. He specifically notes that they did not deny their faith even when Antipas, a faithful witness, was martyred in their city.
Context: The city of Pergamum was a significant cultural and religious center in its time, known for its temples to various gods and for being the first city to build a temple for emperor worship. Christians in this environment were under immense pressure to compromise their faith.
Critique: Jesus addresses the internal compromise within the church. Some members were following the teachings of Balaam, which led others to participate in sexual immorality and eat food sacrificed to idols. The church was also tolerating the teachings of the Nicolaitans, a group that Jesus had condemned in his letter to the Ephesians.
Warning: Jesus warns the church to repent of this compromise, or he will come quickly and fight against those who persist in these practices with the "sword of my mouth" (representing his powerful word).
Promise: To those who overcome the challenges and remain faithful, Jesus promises to give them "some of the hidden manna" and a white stone with a new name written on it, which no one knows but the receiver.