The Compromised Church

Revelation 2:12–17 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”

History

The Bible Knowledge Commentary 2:12

The third church was in Pergamum or Pergamos, about 20 miles inland from Smyrna. Like Ephesus and Smyrna it was a wealthy city, but it was wicked. People in its pagan cults worshiped Athena, Asclepius, Dionysus, and Zeus. Pergamum was famous for its university with a library of about 200,000 volumes, and for manufacturing parchment resulting in a paper called pergamena. The atmosphere of this city was adverse to any effective Christian life and testimony.

One interesting thing to consider is “where Satan’s seat is” and “where Satan dwelleth”.

This church was in the mist of pagan worship central. In spite of all that, many have remained true to Christ. One thing we must not forget, is in all these seven churches and in our churches today, there are those who have not renounced Christ. They have not compromised. They have remained faithful and true. Even in the mist of “Satan’s seat, which refers to Asclepius, a pagan god of healing represented in the form of a serpent.

Reference is made here to a Christian who was killed for the cause of Christ - Antipas. There is nothing recorded about the incident but we do know that he stood, lived, and died for Jesus. Some say he was a physician and was placed inside a copper bull, which was then heated over a fire until it was red hot. However, scripture does not bear this out.

Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

As with Ephesus, there were issues in the church that needed to be dealt with.

Matthew 3:10 “And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”

Revelation 3:19 “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”

Hebrews 12:11 “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”

Some were holding to the teachings of Balaam.

Numbers 25:1–3 “And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. And Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor: and the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel.”

Israel was enticed to eat food sacrificed to idols and sexual immorality.

2. Some were teaching of the Nicoliations, who were doing similar things.

3. Christ calls this group to repent.

2 Corinthians 6:17–18 “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

Christ has saved us to be a separated people and to live the way he wants us to.

If repentance was not made, Christ promised he would wage war against them. In other words, he would remove their candlestick.

Repentance will be the restored relationship to Christ and lead to spending eternity with him.