Untitled Sermon (3)

Pergamum

The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 35: 1, 2 & 3 John / Revelation The Tempted Church

In the year 133 B.C., Pergamum (Pergamos, NKJV) became the capital of the Roman province of Asia.

The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 35: 1, 2 & 3 John / Revelation The Tempted Church

This city is forty-five miles north of Smyrna, and is built upon a high rock outcropping, a natural fortress.

The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 35: 1, 2 & 3 John / Revelation The Tempted Church

It had become, by the time of the first century, the center of emperor worship in the Roman world. There are many impressive temples in Pergamum—to Zeus, Athena, Nikephoids, Dionysus—but the city was most famous for its temples to Asklepios

Asklepios -god of medicine

The Preacher’s Commentary Series, Volume 35: 1, 2 & 3 John / Revelation The Tempted Church

The Romans expressed the authority of governors of provinces in terms of the “right of the sword.” Thus there is a direct play on words within the text as the Christians at Pergamum are reminded that it is Jesus Christ who reigns and who holds the two-edged sword of ultimate authority

Commendation:VS 13

(Environment of the community/right actions of the Church)

Emperor Worship -

Cultic Practice - various temples erected to false gods - Zeus, Athena - main one - Asklepios - god of medicine

Church: vs 13

Steadfast/faithful

Problem - vs 14,15

False Teaching

Solution - vs 16

Repent/Return

Promise - vs 17

Hidden manna - eternal life, nourishment

white stone - ancient times used in judicial court - a white stone was used to indicate “not guilty” - we are forgiven - pronounced NOT GUILTY

Admission to Christ’s victory banquet (19:9)

Stone - contains God-given name of the carrier

Carrier - new nature, authority and full inheritance with God.

Forgiven servant and Victorious Conqueror