The Message to the Church in Pergamos

Introduction to Pergamos

Welcome to today's exploration of Revelation 2.12-18, covering the message to the third church, Pergamos. We wrapped up last week by examining the names of the Seven Churches, attempting to understand their meanings and their relation to periods in church history from 30 CE to the present. Previously, we concluded our verse-by-verse study of Revelation 2 and the Lord’s words to Smyrna.

Now, let’s delve into our text for today, beginning at verse 12 of the message to Pergamos:

12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 13 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.

14 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. 15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 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.

The Sword as the Word of God

Alright, back to verse 12: "And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges." The Lord begins His exhortation to this church through the angel. It's concluded by many scholars that the angels of these churches are their pastors. The Lord is described in a specific way to each church; here He is depicted with the sharp sword with two edges. Scripture interprets scripture, suggesting this description symbolizes the Word of God rather than a physical weapon.

The imagery of a two-edged sword is intriguing because it “cuts both ways." Ephesians 6:17 clarifies the biblical interpretation here: "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Hebrews 4:12 strengthens this connection: "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Jesus' Message to Pergamos

Tying this imagery together, John's description of Jesus in Revelation 1:16 says: "And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength." The fact that the two-edged sword was coming out of His mouth completes the perfect circle, confirming it's by His Words that Jesus accomplishes all things. He can use His words to pierce the heart, level a person, or to heal.

In His message to Pergamos, Jesus uses His own words with clear warnings and admonitions that “cut both ways.” He addresses the corruption within these seven churches. This corruption would grow and utterly dominate the institutional church for nearly 1500 years until His Word would be made available again, re-establishing it as the only source of church doctrine, even as men would again cry, Sola Scriptura! Sola Scriptura!

The Significance of Satan's Seat

13 I know thy works, (Jesus says, as He says to all Seven Churches) 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.

Okay, we have a number of things to address with this passage. After admitting that He knows their works and where they reside (which must mean in Pergamos if we are reading this literally – but if we are reading it through the Historicist eyes they might say Jesus was talking about Rome) Why Rome? Stay with me.

“I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is” The word translated seat here is “thronos” in the Greek so it obviously means, “where Satan’s throne is.” Now, to the Jews, anywhere where God was not was considered where Satan reigned – it's actually a Jewish proverb – so we could have application in this way. And if we do then all Jesus is saying to the believers at Pergamos is Satan is ruling where you abide.

The Historical Context of Pergamos

I personally like this approach. If this is not what Jesus meant, we have to ask, “Why would Jesus say that Satan’s throne was in Pergamos?” And this question opens us up to one heck of a story, folks – one that thrives in the minds of many Christians today. Pergamos, which sits in our present-day Turkey, was established in the third Century BC by the Greeks. There they build a giant altar – more like an architectural frieze covered in high relief depictions of the Olympian Gods at war with the Giants of earth. Then there is also a second, smaller and less well-preserved “high relief frieze” on the inner court walls which surround an actual “fire altar” on the upper level. This frieze depicts scenes from the life of Telephus, the legendary founder of the city of Pergamon along with the son of the hero Heracles. It’s a pretty magnificent piece of art and architecture and there it sat in Pergamon.

Because of Jesus' words in Revelation many have believed that He was calling this piece (its shaped sort of like a horseshoe and is like 50 meters wide by 40 meters deep) Satan’s throne. I am so critically suspect of religious superstitions that part of me just resents having to cover this. However, this particular interpretation is interesting because in 1878 a German archeologist discovered the frieze, and along with the Government of Turkey began to remove the thing (piece by piece) and Turkey donated this “seat of Satan” to the Museums of Berlin – where it sits today.

Modern Interpretations and Myths

It is said that Albert Speers, Hitler's architect, took inspiration from the Pergamon Altar and patterned some of his architectural works for Hitler after it – causing many to say that the Seat of Satan was in Berlin and Hitler was sacrificing Jews upon its fiery altar. Never letting a good story die, conspiracy people were all a thither when Obama and the Democratic National Convention stood in a replica that was supposed to have been derived from the Seat of Satan created at Pergamon.

Defenders of this view point to the fact that in Revelation Jesus' words in the Greek mean that this seat WILL ALWAYS AND CONTINUALLY be Satan’s seat therefore they really believe that Satan – and all his Satanic manipulations – ooze forth from this Actual frieze (in Berlin) or from replications of it. I think that the Hebrew idea that wherever the Law of God is not in place Satan’s Throne will thrive is a better understanding of this rather than to build a big moving myth around this altar.

But I admit I am jaded. To add to my cynical view I consulted who might be considered one of the most respected Prophecy Watchers in the faith today regarding the Pergamon Altar. I was absolutely STUNNED when I read with my own eyes his words that said: “It is interesting that in the very year the Nazis came to power the Pergamon Altar was moved from Turkey to Berlin.” The truth of the matter is the full name of Adolf Hitler's party was Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (National-Socialist German Workers' Party; NSDAP). The shorthand Nazi was formed from the first two syllables of the German pronunciation of the word "national."

Examination of Antipas and Pagan Practices at Pergamos

The mention of Nazi existence dating back to 1919 can be set aside. Forty years before that, in 1878, German engineer Carl Humann began official excavations on the acropolis of Pergamon, continuing until 1886.

13 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.

To the believers at Pergamos, Jesus commends them for “holding fast his name,” and for not “denying the faith,” even though surrounded by paganism in their home of Pergamon. Jesus adds, “even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.”

Analysis of Antipas

Disappointingly, an expert on Christian prophecy wrote the following about Antipas: Antipas means “anti-pope” or “anti-father.” This was a movement that rose up after the church became the state religion of the Roman Empire. Now, without thinking, we could say, “wow. And the Catholics call their priests and or pope father.”

But my friends, listen closely to what Jesus says here in verse 13: “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 (past tense) wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, (Antipas was MY FAITHFUL MARTYR) who was slain among you (in that day and time when the recipient of Jesus words were alive, and he adds) “where Satan dwelleth.” To me, we have a very clear and simple explanation here – a man – of whom we have no idea who he was except that his name was Antipas and that he was martyred among them – was considered by Jesus to be “his faithful Martyr.”

What a description to be given by Jesus, right, that of a FAITHFUL MARTYR – and suddenly among most futurists and historicists, to make their views fit, ANTIPAS becomes the negative symbol of the Pope (among other things?) Come on. Lacking historical information on the person Antipas, men have taken these words and created a monster theme in the Book of Revelation related to the Catholic Church! I don’t buy it. Jesus has overcome all things, and since He was coming back to wrap that age up these hypotheses that are supposed to have application out into the future seem to say that Jesus is still at war, and Satan’s seat is still winning, and the Catholic leadership is bad when the text says nothing of the sort! Jesus is merely saying that among them died a faithful martyr by the name of Antipas.

Imagine the confusion if the believers at Pergamos received this letter and it was read to them and there was no real faithful man named Antipas who had been among them? Let’s keep it real, folks. But as the two-edged sword that cuts both ways, Jesus now says:

14 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 stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

Doctrine of Balaam

We read in Revelation 2:4 a similar charge against the church at Ephesus. Remember? But in that assessment, Jesus did not mention them holding “the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the COI, to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit fornication.”

Okay, I am going to cut to the quick here and try to say in as few words as possible what this reference (which we have come across before in our study of the epistles of Peter and Jude) is speaking about. Ready? For the record:

Because thou hast there (in my church at Pergamos) them Remember the surroundings – paganorama! And some held the teaching of Balaam (which was to associate with idolatry and commit fornication. Then how (some of the church at Pergamos) were like Balaam is explained in that Balaam (in Numbers 22-25) taught Balak to practice licentiousness and such licentiousness would be a stumblingblock to the believers there. According to Josephus and Philo, Balak was taught by Balaam on how to set a trap for the Israelites by beguiling them into the double sin of idolatry and fornication, which often go together (and do so still). Here Jesus says Balaam, “taught Balac to

Jesus' Warning to The Church of Pergamos

Cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.” And He assigns the same charge to the activities of some in the church at Pergamos. Now, the first Apostolic counsel held in Jerusalem went down because some zealous Jews were telling Gentile converts that they “needed to be circumcised in order to be saved.” James, at the council, said nay, but advised that the Gentiles “stay away from eating meat sacrificed to idols and from fornication.” Apparently, here in the church of Pergamos, this admonishment from the apostles was ignored – and Jesus calls them out on it. Now, reading this it (AGAIN) sounds like Jesus Himself condemned believers eating meat sacrificed to idols.

I think it is a legalistic and literal approach that allows for such an interpretation. I think we could also read these words and suggest that Jesus will not see believers as His if they are involved in fornication. Again, to take the sin of humanity and assign rejection of a believer by Jesus based on the presence of it wholly ignores salvation by grace through faith.

The Danger of Association with Idolaters

What can we say? I’m going to say it exactly how I have come to see it. Jesus' warning to the believers at Pergamos – like the Apostles' warning to Gentiles – is akin to parents who come from a long line of alcoholics, telling a teenage son not to hang out in bars. “But I won’t drink alcohol,” the boy says to the parents, “I know how dangerous this would be for me.” But the parents refuse to just leave it at that. They want him to avoid the very places that could help lead him into a life of alcoholism.

The same must have been true (in that day and age) for believers who would allow themselves to eat meat sacrificed to idols. To eat such things would automatically associate the believer with idolaters. After so many hours of association, perhaps a romance would bloom with an attractive idolater – and with romance fornication. And with fornication the senses taking over. And with this cocktail the danger lies in a loss of faith! That is the danger.

It’s not in the eating of the meat – that protein – or even in the act of fornication – which has been covered by Christ past, present and future – it’s what those practices can and often do to FAITH! And one thing we cannot get away from is the fact that where there is a loss of faith there is a loss of abiding in Him. And where there is a loss of abiding in Him there is a walk from salvation – just as there could be a loss of sobriety FROM hanging around the bars.

Faith and New Testament Prohibitions

I suggest we need to be very careful in our studies of biblical (New Testament) prohibitions and always try and see them in the light and age which they are presented – the Sin is faithlessness, and when that sin has made a home, the second sin of failing to love God and Man is not far behind. So in terms of compliments there were some for these believers at Pergamos. But the warning was they were tolerating practices that could – even would – lead to practices that could, even would, lead to loss of faith.

The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans

(verse 15) 15 So (Jesus adds) hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. I see Jesus differentiating between the doctrine of Balaam (engaging with idols and fornication) and the doctrine of the Nico-latain-ez. To me He is saying, “You have those who do this wrong (which was like the influence of Balaam in the Old Testament) and you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolataines – which I hate (a suffix He also added to the naming of the Nicolataines to his words to Ephesus).

If my assessment is correct we still do not possess the exact nature of the Nicolaitanes crimes. But if I’m wrong we can see that their crimes were identical to the crimes Balaam taught Balack – to associate with idols and to fornicate. Whatever it was Jesus says: 16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Let’s consider the Greek here first. And to get it right I consulted my Greek friend, Dr. Robertson. Repent therefore (metanoêson oun). First aorist active imperative of metanoeô with the inferential particle oun.

Urgency and Consequences

There is a sense of great urgency as a result of their sin. I come (erchomai). Futuristic present middle indicative, "I am coming quickly" (by the way this is said as imminent) – it is a real threat. Thus far Jesus is not saying Repent because if you don’t I will then come quickly. He is saying, “Repent, I am coming quickly and” “. . . will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” I think it is saying, “You better change your minds about these guys because I am coming quickly and will fight against them,” who had invaded this church at Pergamos. Get your house straight. I’m not pleased with the presence of these types.

Fight against them with what? The “sword of His Mouth.” In other words, He will speak it, and it will be done. He will bless and reward them with His Words or He will curse and condemn them. It’s all about words folks. In the beginning God said and in the end God will again say . . . and it will be. At this point to Pergamos, we read what we have already covered when Jesus says:

Promises to the Overcomer

Revelation 2:17 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.

And this brings us to the fourth church of Asia Minor addressed by Christ – Thyatira. Let’s consider his words to them now.

Message to Thyatira

Revelation 2:18 And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; 19 I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first. 20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. 24 But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. 25 But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. 26 And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: 27 And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. 28 And I will give him the morning star. 29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Historical Context of Thyatira

If I am not mistaken Jesus words to Thyatira are the most words spoken to any of the seven. Twelve verses and not all of them short. From the historical basis, Thyatira is supposed to represent the period after Pergamos (from 538 CE to 1798 CE) – that was the span between the establishment of the Justinian Code in 538 and the end of it by Napoleon in 1798.

Do the words to the actual church in Thyatira fit this period of Church (and state) terror as we discussed last week? I do not see how – and as a result, my support for the historic interpretation of Revelation begins to crumble.

So let’s first talk about the place THOO-RAT-EYE-RAH – which is the better pronunciation (but I’m gonna stick with what people understand.) Anciently it was a wealthy town in the northern part of Lydia of the Roman province of Asia, on the river Lycus. It stood so near to the borders of Mysia, that some of the early writers have regarded it as belonging to that country. Its early history is not well known and until it was refounded by “Seleucus Nicator (in 301)

Thyatira's Historical Context

Thyatira was a small, insignificant town probably because it was not set on any of the Greek trade routes but was instead located upon a lesser road between Pergamos and Sardis. However, it got its wealth from the Lycus Valley. As we said last week, the meaning of the name remains obscure, but most suggest that it means "the castle of Thya." It was also called Pelopia and Semiramis.

Prior to Nicator, it was regarded as a holy city, for there stood the temple of the ancient Lydian sun-god, Tyrimnos, and there were even games held in his honor. Upon the early coins of Thyatira, this Asiatic god is represented as a horseman, bearing a double-headed battle-ax, similar to those represented on the sculptures of the Hittites. Other gods or goddess associated with the place was Boreatene, a deity of less importance, and Sambethe, who had a shrine there, and some believe this goddess was also called Jezebel (the name mentioned here in Revelation 2:20).

Trade Guilds and Christianity

Thyatira was most known for the trade guilds, which were probably more completely organized there than in any other ancient city. Every artisan belonged to a guild, and every guild, which was an incorporated organization, possessed property in its own name, made contracts for great constructions, and had a wide influence. Powerful among them was the guild of coppersmiths; another was the guild of the dyers, who, it is believed, made use of “the madder-root” (instead of shell-fish) for making the purple dyes. A member of this guild seems to have been Lydia of Thyatira, who, according to Acts 16:14, sold her dyes in Philippi before (and probably after) becoming a Christian under the hand of Paul. The color obtained from this dye is now called Turkish red.

The guilds were closely connected with Greek paganism, which was long at odds with Christianity. According to Acts 19:10, Paul may have preached there while he was living at Ephesus, but this is uncertain; however, apparently Christianity reached there at an early time. Very early on in the faith, these guilds refused to admit Christians.

Modern Day Thyatira

Thyatira is now represented by the modern town of Ak-Hissar, about nine hours from Sardis. Ak-Hissar is Turkish for "white castle," from which the burger chain is named – that’s a joke. Apparently, the main modern industry today in Thyatira (or White Castle) is rug-making.

John's Introduction of Jesus

How does John introduce Jesus to the believers at Thyatira? He says: “These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass.” This description was taken from chapter one of Revelation, and having already discussed them, we will leave off here until next week, where we examine the rest of Jesus' words to White Castle.

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