Revelation 2:12 - 17

May 2, 2020

Saturday. I want to clarify an expression I used yesterday. Most people know the expression “saving relationship” and maybe put off by my use of “right relationship.” The lure of “saving relationship” majors on being “saved.” The focus of “right relationship” is the RESULT of being “saved.” My observation is many people want to be “saved” but not “righteous.” Or as Jesus put it, “Yet Wisdom is shown to be right by what its followers do.” [Luke 7:35 CEV] Paul expanded the idea, “This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” [Romans 1:7 NLT]

Today we look at Pergamum, "where Satan has his throne." The issue at this church was that SOME had begun to acquire spiritual toxins to gain money (and possibly political and social favor).

3.            Pergamum [2:12 – 17]

• Overview: modern Bergama, parchment invented, administrative center for the Roman Empire, both a library city and a treasure city due to its mountain top placement, temples to Emperor Augustus, Athena, and the Altar of Zeus, healing cult of Asclepisus (snake as symbol).
• REVELATION: “These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword.” [Revelation 2:12 NIV]
• Strength: true to Jesus despite the fact this is where Satan has his throne.
• Weaknesses: some hold to the teaching of Balaam, hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
• Threat: “I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” [Revelation 2:16b NIV]
• Remedy: repent.
• Promise: “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.” [Revelation 2:17b NIV]

The dominating physical point in Pergamum, during John’s day, was the “Alter of Zeus.” Basically it looked like a gigantic throne that sat on the cliff at the top of the mountain. The reference to Satan reflects back on "snake" in the Garden of Eden.

The story of Balaam is found in Numbers 22 – 24. Prevented from cursing Israel, yet wanting the money, he told king Balak how Israel would curse themselves with idol worship and sexual immorality. Thus, “the teaching of Balaam is essentially the “selling out” of principles for profit (and possibly the favor of the king and culture). The dogma introduced false worship and a misuse of sex.

We can only speculate what the teaching of the Nicolaitans happens to be, as mentioned here and in the section to Ephesus. If these were intended to convey church ages, it seems logical it would be defined. Some have suggested this era was between 325 – 476. Constantine the Great legalized and organized the church during this time. Other notable occurrences are the Council of Nicaea, Papacy began, and Christianity became official religion.

Tomorrow we tackle another serious problem from the Old Testament. In some sense, it is progression from the doctrine (teaching) of Balaam. Join me tomorrow for the shocking unveiling of a constant danger to God’s church.

The fine print: Optimistically looking forward, the isolation will slowly be relaxed and we will be able to meet as a congregation, hopefully soon. If you are reading this and are in need of a church family, please join us at Faith Alliance Church of Fuoss Mills. (Just search "Fuoss Mills" and you will find us.)