Reading Revelation 2:12-17 The Perils of Pergamum
- Thad DeBuhr
- May 11
- 7 min read
Our journey today takes us to the ancient city of Pergamum, a place that held significant sway in its time. Imagine a city perched majestically on a high hill, a veritable acropolis boasting impressive structures. Historically, Pergamum was more than just a pretty skyline. It was a major center of culture and learning, home to a renowned library that rivaled even the one in Alexandria. However, beneath this veneer of sophistication lurked a spiritual darkness that concerned Jesus deeply.
PICTURES OF PERGAMUM FROM MY 2019 STUDY TRIP
This letter to the church in Pergamum identifies the city as the place where "Satan has his throne." This isn't a literal claim that the devil parked his La-Z-Boy recliner there, but rather a powerful metaphor highlighting the intense spiritual opposition the Christians in Pergamum faced. One key aspect of this opposition was the pervasive imperial cult of Rome and its emperors. Pergamum was a significant hub for this cult, where emperor worship was practically civic duty. John, in his prophetic vision, doesn't equate Rome directly with the devil, but he clearly sees the diabolical forces at work, using the Roman Empire as a tool to attack the burgeoning church.
Adding to this oppressive atmosphere, Pergamum was the seat of the Roman governor for the entire region. This meant that the power and authority of Rome were palpable in their daily lives. For Christians, this posed a constant challenge: How do you live faithfully in a city so deeply entrenched in pagan practices and imperial devotion? How involved should they be in the everyday rhythms of life, the pagan festivals that punctuated the calendar? What was permissible, and what constituted dangerous compromise?
The Apostle Paul grappled with similar questions in his letters to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 8-10) and the Romans (Romans 14). His counsel was nuanced: absolute refusal to participate in pagan temple rituals and worship, but a degree of flexibility regarding food that had been offered to idols – after all, an idol is nothing (1 Corinthians 8:4). Meat and drink, in themselves, were not inherently tainted.
However, it seems that some within the church in Pergamum had taken this permitted flexibility to an alarming extreme, blurring the lines between Christian faith and cultural assimilation. The mindset seemed to be, "Why stand out? Let's just go with the flow." This desire for acceptance and ease came at a cost.
Amidst this pressure to conform, some Christians in Pergamum stood firm, even unto death. Jesus commends one such individual, Antipas, who was martyred for his unwavering faith (Revelation 2:13). His courageous witness serves as a stark contrast to those who were tempted to compromise. Perhaps the pressure of Antipas's martyrdom led others to recoil and seek to blend in even more, fearing a similar fate.
Jesus then delivers a sharp rebuke, accusing some in the church of holding to the "teaching of Balaam" (Revelation 2:14). This alludes to the Old Testament story found in Numbers 22-25 and 31. King Balak of Moab hired the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites. When Balaam's direct spiritual attacks failed, he devised a more insidious plan. He advised Balak to use the allure of Moabite women to entice the Israelite men into sexual immorality and the worship of foreign gods. This subtle temptation proved devastating, leading to widespread idolatry and divine judgment.
The text also mentions the "Nicolaitans" (Revelation 2:15), a group whose exact beliefs remain somewhat mysterious. It's possible that their teachings were similar to the "teaching of Balaam," perhaps advocating for a compromise with pagan culture, suggesting that participation in certain rituals or even sexual immorality was permissible or didn't affect one's spiritual standing. Regardless of their specific doctrines, the core issue was the same: a dangerous erosion of the church's distinctiveness and its commitment to the one true God. The church in Pergamum had, in essence, lost its "cutting edge," its willingness to say "no" to the surrounding culture.
Jesus' response is powerful: the Roman governor may wield a physical sword, but Jesus wields a "sharp two-edged sword" – His very word (Revelation 2:16). This divine word has the power to penetrate the heart, to expose and judge half-hearted spirituality and the dangerous desire to straddle the fence between faith and the world.
However, amidst this stern warning, Jesus offers profound comfort and hope. He speaks of giving "hidden manna" to those who overcome (Revelation 2:17). Just as the Israelites were sustained by manna in the wilderness, Jesus promises spiritual nourishment to those who feel spiritually starved in a hostile environment. This "hidden manna" speaks of a personal, intimate provision from Christ, perhaps even alluding to the Eucharist, the sacrament of Jesus' body and blood (as Paul discusses in 1 Corinthians 10).
Finally, Jesus promises a "white stone with a new name written on it" (Revelation 2:17). In the cultural context of Pergamum, where grand buildings were constructed from dark local stone, inscriptions were often carved on brilliant white marble and affixed to these dark surfaces, standing out prominently. This white stone could symbolize acceptance, victory, and a new, honored status. Additionally, there was a custom of giving guests at feasts a white stone with their name on it as a ticket of admission. The fact that only the receiver knows the new name suggests an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus, a unique connection akin to the private language of lovers. The challenge to avoid the false intimacy of pagan practices is countered by the offer of a genuine, spiritual intimacy with Christ himself.
There's more to this Reading Revelation 2:9-17 Blog Post
BE SURE TO SCROLL DOWN FURTHER FOR:
Questions to chew on and discuss (or for your journal)
A Journey Group Discussion Starter (use in your small group time)
Modern Day Application Ideas
Want to watch the video version of the Daily Bible Podcast Episode that corresponds to this blog post? Here you go!
Questions for You to Chew On and Discuss
In what ways does our modern culture pressure Christians to compromise their beliefs or blend in? What are some contemporary "teachings of Balaam" that subtly lure believers away from wholehearted devotion to Christ?
How can we, as modern-day Christians, maintain a clear distinction from the surrounding culture without becoming isolated or judgmental? How do we strike a balance between engagement and separation?
What does the promise of "hidden manna" and a "white stone with a new name" mean to you personally in your spiritual journey? How can you actively seek and experience this intimate provision and unique connection with Jesus?
Journey Group Discussion Starter
Share a time when you felt pressure to compromise your faith in a social or cultural setting. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? How can our journey group encourage and equip one another to stand firm in our faith while still engaging with the world around us?
Want to learn more about our Journey Groups (Small Groups online or in person)
Modern-Day Application:
How might a modern-day Christian apply the principles found in Revelation 2:9-17?
The challenges faced by the church in Pergamum resonate deeply with the pressures Christians face today. We live in a world that often champions values contrary to the teachings of Christ. The temptation to compromise our convictions for the sake of acceptance, comfort, or even perceived effectiveness is ever-present.
Just as the believers in Pergamum were tempted to participate in pagan festivals and practices, we might be tempted to engage in activities or adopt values that subtly undermine our commitment to Christ. This could manifest in various ways: prioritizing material success over spiritual growth, engaging in online behaviors that contradict Christian ethics, or remaining silent in the face of injustice for fear of social backlash.
Jesus's sharp two-edged sword, His Word, remains our ultimate guide and defense. We must diligently study and apply Scripture to discern truth from error and to resist the allure of cultural assimilation. The example of Antipas reminds us of the importance of courageous witness, even when it comes at a personal cost.
However, we are not left to fend for ourselves. The promise of "hidden manna" assures us that Christ will provide the spiritual nourishment we need to thrive even in spiritually barren environments. We can find this sustenance in prayer, in the fellowship of believers, and in the consistent study of God's Word. The "white stone with a new name" encourages us to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, finding our true identity and acceptance in Him, rather than in the fleeting approval of the world.
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU GROW AS A CHRISTIAN
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