(Revelation 2:12-17)…..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 wasMy 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.” ’
As we continue with the church of Pergamos we see that Jesus knows some things about His church there. And really, what are we to expect since we belong to and serve the Head of the church who is omniscient. Jesus says to them, “I know your works,” which He has said to each of His previous Churches (2:2) (2:9). Isn’t it something that Jesus knows all about His church, where it was, what it was doing, and what it was facing. He knew them intimately. We need to remember that He knows your church intimately too. What does He know about us? He knows everything, because nothing is hidden from His sight (1:13) (Hebrews 4:13).
In Pergemos’ midst, pagan worship and false doctrines were taking root, and there was a need for Jesus to respond with His word. As we know, the Scriptures are not merely man’s own thoughts, or a collection of ancient religious writings, but the revealed truth of God, given of God (2 Timothy 3:16) (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
The name Pergamos means, height, elevation, and fortified, but it’s interesting that it also means “married to the tower.” Pergos means “tower, and Gamos means “married.” As we look at what Jesus points out about this church we are given a glimpse of a church that has fallen into a state of compromise with the world. This church has held onto pure doctrine with one hand, and with the other they have embraced the world. They are literally in an unequal yoke with unbelievers and Jesus confronts them about it. I wonder what would be said of some churches today? I wonder just how pleased God would really be.
He knew everything there was to know about them and He begins by giving them words of commendation, “I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. What does it mean that they lived where Satan’s throne is? In many ways Pergamos was a stronghold of Satanic power. What made it such a stronghold? There are many different opinions…..
Some believe it is because Pergamos was a center of pagan religion, especially of “Asclepios Soter” or “Asclepios Savior, the Greek god of medicine. Some believed it was because Pergamos had a huge throne-like altar dedicated to the pagan god Zeus. Some believed it was because Pergamos was a center for the ancient Babylonian priesthood, the cult of “Magians,” who had taken refuge there. Remember, the title of the Magian high priest was “chief bridge builder,” meaning the one who spans the gap between mortals and satan. and yet, others believed it was because Pergamos was the political center of the worship of the Roman government. Whatever it specifically referred to, there was much evil in that city. This church operated right in the middle of a city chosen by Satan as his headquarters on earth. Think about that verse in light of (Acts 17:24-27). Nobody has lived, or is living, in a place where God has not ordained for it to happen. Satan have a throne? Inasmuch as he is the god of this world (John 12:31) (John 14:30) (2 Corinthians 4:4). Satan is free to operate as the god of this world (small g), and as the prince and power of the air (2 Corinthians 4:3-4) (Ephesians 2:1-3). In other words, satan is active in our world and he has a seat of power somewhere. It might be in any of a thousand places. On a side note, regardless of what some people think or believe, or even what some preachers preach, satan is not in Hell yet. That will happen at God’s judgment – (Revelation 20:10). But until then, satan is free to operate as the god of this world (small g) – and as the prince and power of the air (2 Corinthians 4:3-4) (Ephesians 2:1-3). In other words, satan is active in our world and he has a seat of power somewhere. It might be in any of a thousand places.
Jesus also knew that the believers in Pergamos held fast to His name and did not deny the faith even under great persecution. Holding fast to the name of Christ means “To seize, to seize the whole person” (Hebrews 4:14) (Hebrews 6:18). What is it about Jesus’ name that we should hold fast to it?
Well He is…….
- The King – (Revelation 19:16)
- The Apostle and High Priest of our confession – (Hebrews 3:1)
- The One with preeminence – (Colossians 1:15-18)
- The only Sovereign – (1 Timothy 6:13-16)
- Our Savior – (Titus 3:4-6)
- Head over all things – (Ephesians 1:22-23)
This church was not ashamed of the name of Jesus, even though it is the most loved, divisive, and hated name in history, It is the only name given to men for their salvation (Acts 4:12).
There are some churches you can go to and you can sit through an entire service and never hear the name Jesus mentioned, that is sad and it is an abomination to the Lord. We need to make much of our Lord’s name, we need to sing it, shout it, preach it and tell of it to everyone we meet. When folks come into our presence they ought to hear about Jesus (praise God that they are). We need to be in the business of lifting up the name of Jesus (John 12:32).