Revelation 2:12-17
The next letter was to the Church at Pergamos. It is one to take particular note of as Pergamos was the center for the Roman Empire idol worship. They had numerous altars dedicated to idols; one in particular stands out in history. There was a huge temple dedicated to the Greek God, Zeus. The altar of Zeus was moved to Germany in the beginning of the 1900’s; Hitler’s pulpit was located on it. After World War I & 2, Turkey requested the altar be returned; however, Germany would not relinquish it so Turkey created a replica of it. Keep your eyes on what this means with Turkey rising up in the Muslim world. We will discuss more of this later in our study.
Jesus refers to the sharp sword with two edges as He prepares to judge this Church. We can find this two edged sword mentioned in Hebrews 4:12. Again in Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul gives us a description of the Armor of God which the Word of God is revealed as this sword. Therefore, this two edged sword is the Word of God and is intended to be used for judgment and against the kingdom of darkness.
Jesus tells this Church that He knows they are sitting in the midst of satan’s throne. Why would He tell them that? Since Pergamos was the center of idol worship, does it not stand to reason? In fact, the movement and events related to the large altar of Zeus indicates a great deal of satanic involvement. Jesus nailed it for us; so watch this area as the last day events unfold.
Jesus does commend this Church for holding fast and mentions a martyr by the name of Antipas. He called Him faithful, so at the Judgment Seat of Christ surely he will be receiving a nice reward!
Even though they received a commendation, they also received a rebuke for allowing those who hold to false doctrine to be among them, such as of Balaam and the Niclolaitanes. Should we do a sequel, a deeper study of this; the history of these two will be presented at that time.
Jesus tells them to repent or He will have to fight against them with the sword of His Mouth. In the Epistles (letters) of James and John, warning is given that if the Church loves and makes friendship with the world that God will have to oppose it. This is what Jesus is talking about here as well.
The Apostle Paul also gave us instruction in the letters of Timothy and Titus to deal with false brethren and get them out, no longer associating with them. Paul states in one of the Corinthian letters that corruption will affect good behavior. Jesus talked of the leaven of the Pharisees. In the Old Testament leaven represented sin and warns of its effect on the disciples. Jesus concludes with the reward for obedience in dealing with these things.
It would be to our benefit to take heed and pay attention to what Jesus says here, “he that hath ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches.”