Rev 2:12-17 Pergamum

Background

Audience

Pergamum. Northernmost of the seven cities, 70 north of Smyrna. First temple of the imperial cult in Pergammum. Satan's throne could be complex of pagan cults (Zeus, Athena, Dionysus and Asclepius). Altar to Zeus 40 feet high. Main allusion to emperor worship. Like Smyrna in that way? Library second to Alexandria. One of the most beautiful of Greek cities.

Important words, definitions

two-edged sword

Double-mouthed (like a river?) / two-edged. symbol of Roman Justice. Isa 11:14

deny

Verbally denounce knowledge or relationship

stumbling block

Obstacle, that which causes to sin

things sacrificed

Sacrificed food, or leftover

immorality

Unlawful sexual intercourse. metaphorically: idolatry.

Nicolaitans

Group equated to those holding error of Balaam. Nothing new under the sun: heresies get recycled.

Balaam wanted the rewards of unrighteousness and (apparently) found a workaround to curse God's people: stumbling blocks.

Sword of my mouth

Sword of speech?

hidden manna

Provision and care of the Lord. Protected manna? Kept safe manna?

white stone

Bright, gleaming. Accused condemned by black pebbles, acquitted by white.

Clarify Grammar

Paraphrase

The one whose word divides (judges) between men. I know the tribulation is as bad as it gets, but you have remained so faithful. However, you follow Balaam by another name, putting temptations to idolatry and lust before the people of God. Repent, or I will come and punish. To those overcomer/faithful I will give divine provision and acquittal with a new reputation.

Important Ideas

What does this text say about the nature of God?

Jesus knows our tribulation and celebrates our faithfulness.

Jesus knows our teaching and holds us swiftly accountable to it, before final judgment. Woe to them (James?) who put stumbling blocks before the people of God.

What does it say about the nature of man?

We, like Israelites, are still prone to stumble. We are capable of faithfulness.

Christian freedom does not require dancing along the line of sin... there are stumbling blocks!

Ultimatums to judgment can be effective (or Jesus wouldn't make them).

What does it say about man’s relationship with God?

Repentance and righteousness are still fundamental to our relationship with Jesus. Doing stuff he hates results in war with sword speech.

What does it say about man’s relationship with others?

We can make each other stumble.

Unknown/secret reputation is valuable?

What does it say about how should we live as Christians?

At least as important as our faithfulness is our responsibility to righteous living and to help each other live righteously.

Exegetical Idea/Sentence

Even in the midst of faithfulness in tribulation, the church must not place temptation before the people of God. The faithful will be given provision, acquittal and fresh starts.

Love first (Ephesians were forgetting that). Faithfulness (Smyrna was encouraged in that). Righteous teaching? (Ephesians had it, Pergamum compromised).

The church was faithful in name and in faith but not in deed, compromising with the appearance of idolatry and fornication.

Faithful in name, faithful in deed. Faithful in fact?

Compromised Church? Compromise with sin.

Those who have been faithful in name but compromise in deed for gain must repent or face Jesus' wrath

Commentaries

Satan's throne symbol of special authority and royal governance.

Apparently, only Antipas had died in the previous persecution, but as at Smyrna (2:10) many more might die (Eusebius later named Carpus, Papylus, and Agathonike as martyrs in Pergamum). (BECNT)

Matthew 18:7: "Woe to whom through that stumbling block comes..."

description is reminiscent of Acts 15:20 (four things Gentiles were not to do). Idolatry, accomodating/participating in the imperial cult.

Ephesians triumphed over the Nicolaitans but had forgotten love. The Pergamites were faithful but forgot how to fight against the enemies of God? (Compromised with idolatry).

Story of the hidden manna in the ark (Ex. 16:32-34, Heb. 9:4)

Application

1.What was <audience> supposed to know?

1.What did he know?

2.What was he supposed to be in his relationship to God and others?

2.What was he in his relationship to God and others?

3.What was he supposed to do?

3.What was he actually doing?

To Me

1.What was am I supposed to know?

1.What do I know?

2.What am I supposed to be in my relationship to God and others?

2.What am I in my relationship to God and others?

3.What am I supposed to do?

3.What am I actually doing?

To Others

1.What are they supposed to know?

1.What do they know?

2.What are they supposed to be in their relationship to God and others?

2.What are they in their relationship to God and others?

3.What are they supposed to do?

3.What are they actually doing?

Exegetical idea: Jesus hates compromise with sin, because sin always enslaves.

Homiletical idea: No compromise with Sin

Purpose: Each person will identify an area of life where have or are compromising with sin to make things easier or more enjoyable and recognize that they are chains of enslavement.