John, while on the isle of Patmos, wrote the Book of Revelation. In Chapters 2-3, there are recorded seven letters to the churches of Asia Minor. Although each letter was written to a specific congregation, each is also applicable to us (cf. "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches," Rev. 2:17). The third of these letters was written to the church at Pergamos.

Background of the City

Pergamos was located fifteen miles inland from the Aegean Sea, north of Smyrna. Near the ancient city of Troy, it was situated between two rivers and a mountain range, thus making it a "strong hold." The city was founded by Greek colonists, but was given to Rome by its last king on his death bed in 133 BC. It was well known for its library of about 200,000 volumes.

Religiously, Pergamos was considered to be the center of emperor worship. Asklepios, the god of healing, was also associated with the city. People came for miles around to seek healing from their ailments. The city also contained many pagan temples, including the temple to Zeus, the chief Greek god. This temple, along with its altar, was located 800 feet up the side of a mountain and resembled a chair (cf. "Satan's seat," Rev. 2:13). Historians say that fire and smoke could be seen from long distances as sacrifices were continually burned. The temple of Zeus was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It is against this background that John writes.

Relevance of the Writer

This letter was written by "he which hath the sharp sword with two edges" (Rev. 2:13 cf. 1:16). The "sword" shows that Christ has authority, not Rome, and that He is able to protect His own, even in the face of persecution (cf. Rev. 2:10). The "sword" also shows that Christ has the power of discerning judgment (cf. Heb. 4:12), as is evident by the insight He reveals into their situation.

Christ's Evaluation

In assessing this church, Jesus first says, "I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth" (Rev. 2:13). The environment of Pergamos produced an oppressive atmosphere upon the church, which is ultimately attributed to Satan (cf. 1 Thes. 2:18). Despite this pressure, they held fast to Christ's name. They did not deny "my faith." Generally speaking, the Pergamites did not compromise the doctrine of Christ (cf. Col. 1:23; Jude 3). Their uncompromising stand, even in Satan's stronghold, resulted in the death of some. Little is known about "Antipas," except that he was "faithful unto death" (cf. Rev. 2:10), which speaks volumes (cf. Heb. 11:4). Christ's commendation shows us that a faithful church can exist in a wicked community. There are no outward circumstances that can keep us from being faithful, if being faithful is our goal (cf. Mt. 28:20b; Acts 5:27-29; 2 Tim. 4:6-8).

Secondly, Jesus lists some things for which they needed to repent. "But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. 15So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate" (Rev. 2:14-15). In the OT, Balaam was willing to make material gain at the expense of spiritual loss (Num. 22-24). A "stumblingblock" literally refers to the part of a trap on which the bait is placed. Balaam, by his counsel, baited the trap for Israel. Balaam knew he could not curse the children of Israel (Num. 22:7-14), but he figured if he could get them to participate in idolatry, God would curse them. Thus, Balaam lured Israel into committing "whoredom with the daughters of Moab" (Num. 25:1 cf. Num. 31:16). Some in Pergamos were likewise willing to make spiritual compromise in exchange for material safety. Worshiping the emperor would relieve persecution, but at what price? Additionally, some in Pergamos were holding to the "doctrine of the Nicolaitans." Little is known about the Nicolaitans. Some think they were a sect of gnosticism. The Ephesians were commended for hating the "doctrine of the Nicolaitans" (Rev. 2:6), but some in Pergamos were tolerating it. To please God, however, we must not only love what the Lord loves, we must also hate what the Lord hates (Ps. 45:7).

Christ's Solution and Promised Blessing

Christ gives only one solution to their dangerous condition: "Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth" (Rev. 2:16). Jesus cannot tolerate the sin of compromise (cf. Mt. 6:24). Unless they repent, Jesus will slay them with the sword of God's word, just as God slew Balaam with the sword of those whom he sought to curse (Num. 31:8).

Jesus offers two promises: "To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it" (Rev. 2:17). First, in contrast with eating "things sacrificed to idols" (Rev. 2:14), they will "eat of the hidden manna," which is a reference the sustenance that can only be found in Christ by those who look for it (cf. Jn. 6:33-35). Second, they will receive a "white stone" upon which "a new name is written." The color white represents holiness, purity, and victory (cf. Rev. 1:14; 4:4; 6:2, 11; 7:9, 13). In Biblical times, a white stone was given as a sign of acquittal, as a token of freedom for former slaves, as a trophy for winning a race, or as an award to a soldier returning from victory. All these are applicable to the one who overcomes. The name is "new" because it signifies a new relationship with Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), a relationship that no worldly person can comprehend ("no one knoweth" ).

Both of these promises will be ours when we overcome. The church at Pergamos teaches that we can be faithful to God no matter our surrounding environment. Let us not compromise the truth for material security, but rather hold fast to all for which Christ stands.

1The titles designating the churches in this series of bulletin articles are adapted from Ray Summers, Worthy Is the Lamb (Nashville, TN: Broadman, 1951), 108-124.