12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13 “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. 17 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.”’ Revelations 2:12-17 (NKJV)
Pergamum is located to the north of Smyrna. It was the chief governmental city of Asia Minor for cultural and intellectual life. This city was known for having libraries with more than 2000 volumes of books. History confirms the leading role of this Greek city in the worship of demons, medicine and Greek gods. In their temples, there was staff with a snake coiled around as a sign of their worship to medicine. Many came from around the Roman empire seeking healing. It was the centre of idolatry and the worship of the Emperor. It had distinguished itself as the first site of occult practices. The people of Pergamum worshipped anything.
In Revelations 2, Jesus introduced Himself as the One with the sharp two edged sword. In those times, the emperor carried a two edged sword as a sign of their supremacy. Therefore, Jesus came with the real supremacy that out ruled all other emperors. Jesus is the all powerful One and the only One to be worshipped. He is the One with the sharp sword. At the time, the church was under great pressure for refusing to worship the Emperor. Pergamum was truly the place where the devil lived. His throne was there. Many people of the church gave into the atmosphere of the city while others remained strong.
Today many of us live in cities that seem dark but we must not let it change who we are. We have the ability to pray, intercede and rule over the atmosphere of our community. If we understand who we truly are, we would rule over it. Pray for your home, dedicate your property to God! We must speak to our land and to our homes. We must claim our territory and rule where we are. Witches, warlocks and obeah men cannot touch us. Jacob and Laban laid a heap of stone to be a witness between them and to judge them (Genesis 31:45-53). We can also command our homes to be a witness and to watch for us. Some of us have bosses and colleagues in our workplaces that are against us but we must speak to the atmosphere and change it.
Antipas may have been a pastor or leader who was martyred because of his stand for Jesus Christ. Jesus identified Antipas as His martyr. The word “martyr” in the Greek is “matrus” which refers to a witness. The church was faithful in spite of the persecution and trials that were happening around them. We must stand firm in Christ and press on.
They were people who were holding the doctrine of Balaam (Numbers 22-25, 31). There was compromise. Some believed this doctrine and Jesus wrote to correct it. Balaam schemed a plan to ensnare and to curse the people of Israel. Some people are speaking curses against the church. We must be careful of what we say about God’s people because it will come back to us. There is life and death in the power of our tongue.
There were people who began to teach that there was nothing wrong with sexual immorality and pagan worship. They worshipped God and demons. The doctrine of Balaam is not only the intent to ensnare God’s people but also to mislead God’s people into sin. In the world, some are using the teaching of grace as a way to make sin right. We must not take grace in vain. Many have been using the bible to support their ungodly beliefs. Many believe that they take part in the things of the world and then it is ok come to church on a Sunday. God is calling the church to true holiness and righteousness. Grace does not cover sin but rather it get rids of it. The church has to come back to holiness and to God’s standards. We must be holy as God is holy. We must move away from treating our spouses badly and still coming to church. We must be fully on the Lord’s side (James 4:4, 1 John 2:15-17).
14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” 17 Therefore “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 (NKJV)
In addition to the doctrine of Balaam, the people of Pergamum also kept the doctrine of the Nicolaitans (Revelations 2:15). This doctrine led to sexual immorality and idolatry. Pergamum supported the Roman style of worship. This style of worship believed that the priest was higher than all others. The priest was superior to the people of the congregation. As a result, many began to worship saints such Peter and Philip. The church then began to adopt some of these teachings. We must ask God for a spirit of discernment when receiving various teachings and a greater understanding of His Word. There must be a sense of accountability when teaching to others.
To those who overcome, Jesus will give them the hidden manna from heaven. He will release everything that we need. He will reward and honour us by writing a name that no one knows.
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