Pergamos: A Compromising Commitment

Pergamos: A Compromising Commitment

Revelation 2: 12-17

Pergamos was a beautifully situated city with an air of royalty about it. It sat on top of a huge mountain, arising ever so steeply and majestically out of a beautiful valley. The city's citizens could see the Mediterranean Sea some fifteen miles away. To the approaching traveller the city struck him with a sense of stately awe and royal authority.

Pergamos was one of the cultural and religious centers of the world. It had been a capital city for some 400 years. Its library was second only to Alexandria, Egypt. But the city's most prominent feature was its acropolis, rising about a thousand feet in the midst of the city. Temple after temple had been built upon it. For example, there was a temple to Asclepius, a serpent-like god of healing. It was famous for its college of medical priests. But the most famous pagan altar was built to Zeus. It was an overpowering sight, built on a huge ledge that jutted out and towered above the city. It was the largest, most ornate, and most famous altar in the world. (i)

Jesus reminds Pergamos of the truth and power of His Word, V.12 – And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges. Jesus had a word for them, as well as us. It is interesting that Pergamos means “married.” As we examine the insights within the text, I want to consider: Pergamos – A Compromising Commitment.

I. The Position of the Church (13) – Jesus repeats the statement, “I know thy works.” In fact, He makes this statement to all seven churches. He was well aware of the works of the churches. He is aware of everything about His church, including you and me. Theirs was an interesting position. Notice:

A. Their Dwelling – I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is. Pergamos existed in a hostile environment. They worshipped in a city where Satan’s seat was, where he dwelt. Pergamos was a stronghold for Satan.

Many today think Satan is just a figment of men’s imagination, a cartoon character in a fairy tale. Listen, Satan is very real. He is working in our world today! Consider what he said to God in Job 1:7 – From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. He is a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. The Bible refers to him as the “god of this world” and the “prince of the power of the air.” Never be deceived, Satan is at work! He wants nothing more than to destroy the lives and testimony of every Christian he can. Jesus also spoke of:

B. Their Doctrine – And thou holdest fast my name. In the midst of evil, they held fast to the name of Jesus and their faith in Him. To most in Pergamos, Jesus was just one of many gods, but the church recognized the preeminence of Jesus. They knew He had a name above every name; the name whereby men must be saved.

(Illus. the picture of Jesus in the pulpit). Jesus is the reason we are here. It is His precious name that we’ve met to exalt and praise. The world needs to hear the blessed name of Jesus worshiped, preached about, and proclaimed.

And hast not denied my faith. Not only His name, they held fast to their faith, the fundamental truths of doctrine. There are some truths that we cannot abandon, 1) The Virgin Birth 2) His Substitutionary Atonement 3) His Bodily Resurrection 4) His Literal Second Coming 5) The Inerrancy of Scripture. Without these our faith is in vain! Jesus alone, is the way of salvation!

C. Their Devotion – Even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. We say that we are committed to Jesus, but are we really? Would we stand in the face of death? Does Jesus mean more to us than life itself?

These are tough questions, but the church at Pergamos had to answer them. Many were killed because they wouldn’t deny the faith. Jesus speaks of Antipas, His faithful martyr. History tells us that Antipas was the pastor at Pergamos. His name means “against all.” He stood against all that Satan brought and paid a heavy price. He refused to proclaim Caesar was god and was placed in a brass bull. A fire was built under it and Antipas was roasted alive. Church that is devotion to Christ! He had not died in vain; Jesus knew his name.

II. The Problems within the Church (14-16) – Pergamos heard the dreadful words, “I have a few things against thee.” Some were true to Christ, but not all. Notice the problems of the church.