Thursday, February 16, 2023

Pergamum (Pergamos): The Compromising Church

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, 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, [g]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.” ’ Revelation 2:13-17

Pergamum (Pergamos) was the location of Rome’s provincial capital. It was a major cultural hub that housed a library rivaling the famed Alexandrian library.

Some Bible scholars call the church at Pergamum the church that needed to repent or the compromising church. The name “Pergamos” means “high tower” or “thoroughly married.” Commentators say that the city was headquarters for the cult of emperor worship. It was where Satan’s throne was. Bible scholars note that the church was too tolerant. They remained loyal to Christ. They didn’t deny him. They did, however, let idols, immorality, and cults remain within them. Paganism infiltrated the body. Those believers who wouldn’t participate in pagan worship were persecuted. This passage mentions Antipas who had been martyred for the cause of the gospel––evidence of his loyalty and faithfulness.

Questions: Are your values being diluted by the world? Do you need to repent? Can God count you as a loyal believer? God knows!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for the lessons that are found in the letter to the church at Pergamum. I want to be totally committed to you. When I stray, I want to be moved to acknowledge my sin and to turn away from those things that don’t please you. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen