Pergamum Letter

The Letter to the Church at Pergamum is another of the seven letters to the churches in Asia Minor found in the Book of Revelation. This letter, addressed to the church in Pergamum, appears in Revelation 2:12-17. Pergamum was a significant city known for its intellectual achievements, religious practices, and political influence, and it had its challenges as a center of pagan worship.

Text of the Letter (Revelation 2:12-17, NIV):

To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.
I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives.
Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.

Key Themes and Messages:

  1. Christ’s Authority:
    • Jesus identifies Himself as the one with the “sharp, double-edged sword,” symbolizing His power and authority to judge and execute divine justice (Hebrews 4:12).
  2. Acknowledgment of Faithfulness:
    • Despite being in a city described as “where Satan has his throne,” the church is commended for holding fast to Jesus’ name and not renouncing their faith, even during the martyrdom of Antipas, a faithful witness.
  3. Warning Against Compromise:
    • Jesus rebukes some members for embracing false teachings:
      • The Teaching of Balaam: This refers to the Old Testament story of Balaam, who led Israel into sin through idolatry and immorality (Numbers 22-25). It symbolizes leading others into compromise with pagan practices.
      • The Nicolaitans: Likely a heretical group promoting moral laxity and idolatry, though the exact nature of their teachings is unclear.
  4. Call to Repentance:
    • The church is urged to turn away from false teachings and practices. Jesus warns that failure to repent will result in His judgment, described as the “sword of [His] mouth.”
  5. Promises to the Victorious:
    • Hidden Manna: Likely symbolic of spiritual sustenance and eternal life, contrasting with the corrupted food sacrificed to idols.
    • White Stone with a New Name: A white stone in ancient times symbolized acquittal, victory, or privilege. The new name signifies a unique identity and intimate relationship with Christ.

Historical Context:

  1. Pergamum’s Environment:
    • Pergamum was a center of pagan worship, housing temples to Zeus, Athena, and Asclepius. The altar of Zeus, a massive structure, might be what is referred to as “Satan’s throne.”
    • The city was also a hub for emperor worship, which created significant pressure on Christians to conform.
  2. Martyrdom of Antipas:
    • Antipas, described as a “faithful witness,” is traditionally regarded as a leader or bishop in Pergamum who was martyred for his refusal to participate in emperor worship or pagan practices.
  3. False Teachings:
    • The references to Balaam and the Nicolaitans suggest the church was dealing with internal challenges of moral compromise and syncretism with pagan practices.

Application and Reflection:

  1. Faithfulness in Hostile Environments:
    • Like the Christians in Pergamum, believers are called to remain faithful to Christ, even when surrounded by societal pressures and opposition.
  2. Avoiding Compromise:
    • The letter warns against blending Christian faith with worldly or pagan values, urging vigilance against false teachings and moral laxity.
  3. Repentance and Restoration:
    • Jesus provides an opportunity for repentance and promises restoration and eternal blessings for those who overcome.
  4. Hope in Eternal Reward:
    • The promise of hidden manna and the white stone encourages believers to focus on the eternal rewards of faithfulness over temporary comforts or acceptance.

This letter underscores the tension between faithfulness to Christ and the temptations to conform to the world.

Poem,The Letter to Pergamum

O Pergamum, where Satan dwells,
Amidst the idols, pagan spells,
You hold My name, you stand so true,
Though darkness seeks to shatter you.

Through trials fierce, your faith survived,
In martyr’s blood, your witness thrived.
Antipas fell, yet stood for Me,
A beacon of integrity.

But shadows creep within your halls,
The voice of Balaam softly calls.
Enticing hearts to sin and stray,
Through idols’ feasts and lust’s decay.

The Nicolaitans’ deeds you know,
Their twisted paths, a grievous woe.
Repent! Turn back, the sword is near,
Its edge is sharp, its judgment clear.

Yet to the victors, hear My plan,
For those who conquer, woman and man:
A hidden manna I will give,
A secret life through which to live.

A stone of white, your name engraved,
A mark of love, redeemed and saved.
To Pergamum, My call is plain:
Be steadfast, pure, through trial and pain.

O church who battles in the night,
Hold fast to truth, embrace the light.
For though the foe may strive and scheme,
In Me, you’ll find your lasting dream.