Revelation 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:

What about the church in Pergamos?

Pergamos was a city that served as the Roman capital in Asia region. Plutarch, a Greek historian, started a great library in this city which made it a place to come and be educated. It is also known for the Great Altar of Pergamos, an alter built in the second century. It depicts a scene of war between a race of giants and the pagan gods of Olympus. This alter is actually in Berlin, Germany in today’s time.

In the following verse, Jesus states, “this is where Satan’ s throne is..” This is probably a reference to the alter of Pergamos. Being the leading city in this region, along with the altar and the library, the city was ripe for pagan worship. But despite everything, there are some good things mentioned about Pergamos by Jesus, which should give us hope with our relationship with Christ.

What did Jesus say about Pergamos?

Revelation 2:13 “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 was My faithful martyr. Jesus knew some of the people were working for Him. That they held fast to the faith and were trying in the midst of the throne of Satan. There was even a martyr named Antipas. Nothing is known much from a historical perspective about this man, but Jesus mentioned Him by name. Which proves that this world’s opinion means nothing.

The church had two major issues that Jesus calls out. First the doctrine of Balaam, and second the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. Balaam was talked about in Numbers 22-24. He was a corrupt prophet and taught how to corrupt the Israelites. The Nicolaitans taught a hierarchical and corrupting doctrine as well. Jesus states that He, “hated,” these doctrines and that if there was not repentance he would come with the “Sword of His mouth.” A sword sharper than any two-edged sword referenced in Hebrews 4:12.

What happened if they repented?

Revelation 2:17 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.”  Manna is the food that God provided during the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the desert. It sustained them. So, God will sustain us if we repent.

We will also receive a white stone with a new name written on it which no one knows except the one who receives it. There was a Greek tradition that an invitation would be sent out on a white stone with the name of the person invited on it. Maybe this is reference to an invitation to heaven if repentance comes. What does this mean for us? That if you repent of your sin and accept Jesus as Savior, then you have an invitation to heaven? Can you expect yours?