Pergamum, The Compromising Church.

Pergamum, The Compromising Church

Revelation 2:12-17NKJV

Upon studying this third church, the church of Pergamum, I told you that weekly I would read these scriptures.

I believe that Revelation 1, is the foundation of the whole book.

Revelation 1:1-3NKJV The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must [a]shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, to all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near.

Revelation 1:9NKJV 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.

The third of seven messages to the churches of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Pergamum was a city filled with shrines of many gods. Pergamon lies on the north edge of the Caicus plain in the historic region of Mysia in the northwest of Turkey.

In Revelation 2:12-17, the One who speaks to the church at Pergamum is described as having a double-edged sword.

According to Revelation 1:16, it comes from His mouth. This imagery is consistently used to refer to the Word of God, or the Word of Truth.

Upon studying Revelation 2:12-17, Two different books come to mind. We are warned through both:

2 Corinthians 11:13-15NKJV For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

Jude 4 says, 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.

With that said, Revelation 2:12-17, speak of a church surrounded by many gods. A Church that is commended, but criticized, and if not corrected, condemned.

“We need to stop right there and thank God for His loving correction.” P.H

Revelation 2:12NKJV “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:

The word of God is a sword, able to slay both sin and sinners.

Have you noticed how often a sword is at the center of a story?

In the world of make-believe—Luke Skywalker has his “light sword.” Zorro needs his sword to leave his trademark signature “Z.” And to wake everyone up, “The Three Musketeers are reduced to a candy bar without their swords.”

Seriously though—Throughout God’s word swords represent—war, power, defeat and victory!

The sword proceeding from the mouth of Jesus is the word. The 66 books of the Bible—39 OT and 27 NT. The word ‘Abiding’ becomes the believer’s purpose.

Revelation 2:12TM Write this to Pergamum, to the Angel of the church. The One with the sharp-biting sword draws from the sheath of his mouth—out come the sword words:

Upon the Great White Throne Judgement—There isn’t any surprises on Judgement day, Jesus knows everything. The suspect on trial will be quickly judged. Again, there will be no surprises.

The only way to recover—is through the blood!

Hebrews 10:19-20NKJV Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh,

There are several things the devil fears, here’s just a few:

The blood of Jesus.

The name of Jesus.

The word of God.

A believer’s knowing their authority. One who knows how to bind and loose in the name of Jesus. (Matt.18:18)

Jesus say’s, Revelation 2:13NKJV “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.

Antipas was the Messenger, or pastor of the church of Pergamos. Verse 13, says he was a faithful martyr. Tradition teaches, Antipas came against the cities false gods. Thus, martyred.

Jesus speaks to Pergamos, “You have held fast to my name.” The name of Jesus. Jesus goes on to say, “you’ve kept the faith.”

Paul tells Timothy in, 1 Timothy 6:12NIV Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Jesus tells the church of Pergamos, “You have fought a good fight of faith thus far.”