Pergamum Revelation 2:12-17

Letters to the Church: Pergamum

Revelation 2:12-17

Pergamum (v. 12a)

·        Located about 10 miles inland from the Mediterranean

·        Contained an ancient citadel and fortress

·        Atop the citadel was the temple to “Zeus the Savior”

o   Also known as the throne of the city

·        It also contained the temple to “Aesculapius the Savior”

o   The Greek god of healing

o   Which included a hospital

o   And a doctrine of personal salvation

 

A Vision of Jesus (v. 12b)

·        Jesus describes Himself as having a “sharp two-edged sword”

o   A reference to His role as conqueror (see 1:16; 2:16)

 

“I know…” (v. 13)

·        Jesus assures the Church that He understands their circumstances

·        They dwell where “Satan’s throne” is

o   Possibly a reference to the temple to Zeus or Aesculapius

·        Yet, they remain true to their faith in Christ

o   With some (Antipas) even dying as a result

 

“But I have this against you…” (v. 14-16)

·        Yet, Jesus reprimands the Church for a few things

·        They have some in their midst who have fallen under false teaching

o   Balaam (see Num. 22-24; 31:15-16)

§  Eating food sacrificed to idols & engaging in sexual immorality

o   The Nicolatians

§  Possibly a form of Gnosticism

•      Salvation through secret knowledge

§  And/or a group of false Apostles

·        Jesus’ concern is not just with Orthodoxy, but with Orthopraxy

o   Orthodoxy: Right belief

o   Orthopraxy: Right practice

 

The Call to Conquer (v. 17)

·        Jesus promises that those who overcome by persevering in their faith in Him will receive:

o   Hidden manna: God’s provision (see Ex. 16:32-34)

o   White stone: May be a reference to the stone used in a vote of acquittal (see Acts 26:10)

§  Or a reference to an invitation to the Jesus’ banquet (see 19:9)

§  Or to being a stone in the Temple of God (see 3:12)

•      White marble was only found in temples in Pergamum

o   New name: Either a reference to believer’s new identity in Christ

§  Or the name of Jesus Himself (see 3:12; 14:1; 19:12; 22:4)

So What?

·        Are we known for our orthodoxy & orthopraxy?

·        Is our identity found in Christ?

 

Meditation Verse: Revelation 2:17