VII. PERGAMUM

Introduction

Revelation 1:9–20 NKJV

9 I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,” and, “What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” 12 Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. 14 His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; 15 His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; 16 He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. 19 Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. 20 The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.

Pray

Point 1: The Compromising Church

Revelation 2:12–17 NKJV

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

WHAT IF I TOLD YOU THAT THE CHURCH HAS BEEN COMPROMISED?

Background:

Pergamum was an an ancient city in Asia Minor founded in the 3rd Century BC. It was part of the Attalid dynasty. Originally, it was a Greek city, but they were the first to invite the Romans into the affairs of Asia Minor. One important takeaway is that this was a largely pagan city.

Pergamum was traditionally known for its worship of Asclepius (whose symbol on Pergamum’s coins was the serpent; cf. 12:9) and worshiped other traditional Greek deities, such as Demeter, Athena and Dionysus. Its famous giant altar of Zeus (120 by 112 feet) overlooked the city on its citadel, and some have suggested that this is the background for “Satan’s throne” in this verse. Perhaps a more likely allusion for “Satan’s throne” is the local worship of the emperor, celebrated on Pergamum’s coinage in this period. Local rulers had been worshiped before the Roman period, and Pergamum was one of the first cities of Asia to build a temple to a Roman emperor (a temple to Augustus, also conspicuous on the citadel). A further imperial temple was dedicated there within a decade or two after John wrote Revelation

Just like Ephesus, we see good things mentioned. Jesus says, “He knows their works, who they are in the midst of” and that they hold fast to His name and don’t deny His name. Everything is good, but why does it go on to say that Jesus has a few things against them?

What was the sin? The sin was tolerance of false prophets. THE SIN WAS COMPROMISE. Let’s Look:

Revelation 2:14–15 NKJV

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, which thing I hate.

What was the doctrine of the Nicolaitans? It was simple.. THAT THEY COULD HAVE A FOOT IN BOTH WORLDS. Today we call it Greasy Grace. It is the idea that Christ’s atonement and grace gives us a license to sin as we please. The Bible has a lot to say about this:

Jude 3–4 NKJV

3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 6:1–2 NKJV

1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?

One of the chief names mentioned here is Balaam in verse 14:

Revelation 2:14 NKJV

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.

Balaam was a pagan prophet mentioned in the Old Testament who tried to lead the children of Israel astray.

Numbers 22:5–32 NKJV

5 Then he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor at Pethor, which is near the River in the land of the sons of his people, to call him, saying: “Look, a people has come from Egypt. See, they cover the face of the earth, and are settling next to me! 6 Therefore please come at once, curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.” 7 So the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the diviner’s fee in their hand, and they came to Balaam and spoke to him the words of Balak. 8 And he said to them, “Lodge here tonight, and I will bring back word to you, as the Lord speaks to me.” So the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam. 9 Then God came to Balaam and said, “Who are these men with you?” 10 So Balaam said to God, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, saying, 11 ‘Look, a people has come out of Egypt, and they cover the face of the earth. Come now, curse them for me; perhaps I shall be able to overpower them and drive them out.’ ” 12 And God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” 13 So Balaam rose in the morning and said to the princes of Balak, “Go back to your land, for the Lord has refused to give me permission to go with you.” 14 And the princes of Moab rose and went to Balak, and said, “Balaam refuses to come with us.” 15 Then Balak again sent princes, more numerous and more honorable than they. 16 And they came to Balaam and said to him, “Thus says Balak the son of Zippor: ‘Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me; 17 for I will certainly honor you greatly, and I will do whatever you say to me. Therefore please come, curse this people for me.’ ” 18 Then Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, “Though Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more. 19 Now therefore, please, you also stay here tonight, that I may know what more the Lord will say to me.” 20 And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men come to call you, rise and go with them; but only the word which I speak to you—that you shall do.” 21 So Balaam rose in the morning, saddled his donkey, and went with the princes of Moab. 22 Then God’s anger was aroused because he went, and the Angel of the Lord took His stand in the way as an adversary against him. And he was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him. 23 Now the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand, and the donkey turned aside out of the way and went into the field. So Balaam struck the donkey to turn her back onto the road. 24 Then the Angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, with a wall on this side and a wall on that side. 25 And when the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord, she pushed herself against the wall and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall; so he struck her again. 26 Then the Angel of the Lord went further, and stood in a narrow place where there was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. 27 And when the donkey saw the Angel of the Lord, she lay down under Balaam; so Balaam’s anger was aroused, and he struck the donkey with his staff. 28 Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?” 29 And Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have abused me. I wish there were a sword in my hand, for now I would kill you!” 30 So the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden, ever since I became yours, to this day? Was I ever disposed to do this to you?” And he said, “No.” 31 Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face. 32 And the Angel of the Lord said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to stand against you, because your way is perverse before Me.

You see Balak heeded the words of Balaam a false prophet and it became a stumbling block.

New Testament (Second Edition) 2:12–17: Oracle to the Church in Pergamum

The false teachers advocate compromise with pagan cults, perhaps including the imperial cult, for humanly appealing reasons (2:13). “Balaam” was the most famous pagan prophet of the Old Testament and Jewish tradition (see comment on Jude 11) and is thus provided as the pseudonym for the heretical leader of the compromisers, like “Jezebel” in Thyatira (2:20).

Balaam, a prominent ancient figure also attested outside the Bible, led Israel to eat meat offered to idols and to have sexual intercourse with pagans to whom they were not married (Num 25:1–3; 31:16). Other nations could not destroy Israel, but Balaam knew that if he could subvert their morals, God would withdraw his blessing and judge them (see *Josephus and *Pseudo-Philo; cf. Num 25:8). God judged Israel, but Balaam, who acted from mercenary motives, also lost his life (Num 31:8, 16; Josh 13:22). “Sexual immorality” may be meant literally here (it was common in paganism) or may refer, as often in the Old Testament prophets, to spiritual infidelity against God (perhaps including emperor worship; cf. 17:5).

Revelation 2:12–13 NKJV

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

In fact, when you begin to look at the Biblical view of tolerance, you will see what I am saying about how the world has compromised the church.

Point 2: The Biblical View of Tolerance

The sin of the first church was tolerance. They tolerated false teachings. Dare I call them “THE WOKE CHURCH?”

The Church of Pergamum faced the challenge of tolerating false teachings and immoral practices within their midst. In their desire to be accepting and open-minded, they inadvertently allowed compromise to creep in. The lessons from Pergamum are timeless, and we are called to heed them today.

But, did you know that tolerance has never been held up as a virtue in Scripture? Paul says it like this.

Galatians 1:8–12 NKJV

8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. 11 But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

There is a clear separation between loving the sinner and tolerating the sin. The Word of God says:

Ezekiel 3:19 NKJV

19 Yet, if you warn the wicked, and he does not turn from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.

Tolerance of sin leads to compromise. Do you know there are Christians who think it is okay to go to bars? The Bible says this:

1 Thessalonians 5:22–23 NKJV

22 Abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 5:11 NKJV

11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

2 Corinthians 6:17 NKJV

17 Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.”

YOU HAVE COMPROMISED. THIS COMPROMISING CHURCH WAS TOLD TO REPENT OR JESUS WOULD FIGHT AGAINST THEM WITH THE WORD OF HIS MOUTH?

There are Christians who think it is okay to cuss:

Ephesians 4:29 NKJV

29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

Romans 12:2 NKJV

2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

There are Christians who think it is okay to have secret meetings and to gossip, to do all these things. YOU HAVE COMPROMISED AND YOU MUST REPENT!\

To live together unmarried. We have to live holy. Why?

Point 3: Stumbling Blocks

Because stumbling blocks get in the way of us and the Father. You see, Balaam knew that they were a blessed people, and the only way to curse a people blessed by God is to use God’s holiness. If you get them to compromise, you subject them to judgement because God cannot abide unholiness. If you get them to turn away from the common salvation or the faith then you can destroy them.

Does God want that for us? Let’s look at all this with God’s great love.

Jude 3 NKJV

3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

The Word of God calls us to CONTEND FOR THE FAITH THAT WAS DELIVERED TO US. WE CANNOT ADULTERATE IT OR DILUTE IT WITH THE TEACHINGS OF FALSE PROPHETS.

GOD DOES NOT WANT TO BE SEPARATE FROM YOU? WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE SEPARATE FROM HIM?

HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD SAYS TO THE CHURCH TODAY. LET HE WHO HATH AN EAR HEAR!

Conclusion: Repent

Romans 2:4 NKJV

4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

It is the goodness of God that leads to repentance. When you can see it in the eyes of a God not wanting to be separate, you can see that Jesus is giving them a chance regardless and saying, I need you to repent because I don’t want to have to bring that judgement. What does it mean when it says He who has an ear?

It means, let the one who knows the great love of God be called to repentance.

Revelation 2:16–17 NKJV

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.” ’

Ask yourself, “Where in my life am I giving tolerance to sin?”

Where have I compromised? Where am I not living Holy? Repent of these things. We do not want to do God like that.

Do you know the significance of a Lamb’s blood? It is where we get anti-venom. It undoes the poison of a snake and takes those marked for death and gives them a second chance.

HEAR WHAT THE SPIRIT SAYS TO THE CHURCHES.