TEACHING NOTES Part 5: The Church in Pergamum Introduction In this session we will study Jesus’ words to the church in Pergamum. This church was already under persecution and at least one believer had already been martyred for his faith. This church is also struggling to leave behind pagan practices and some are straddling the fence between pagan worship and following Jesus. The Church in Pergamum (Rev. 2:12-17) Location: (see map) Northernmost city of the 7 churches Historical Context: The acropolis of Pergamum sits on a steep hill 1,000 feet above the surrounding plain and lower city. It was one of the most beautiful cities in the Roman empire. Pergamum was a wealthy city in John’s lifetime because it housed several temples that were very popular in the Roman empire. Pergamum had temples for Augustus (emperor), Athena, Asclepius, Dionysus, Hera, Demeter, Persephone, and the famous Altar/Throne of Zeus. There were also temples dedicated to the Egyptian deities Serapis, Isis, and Harpocrates. The temple to Athena Nikephoros “Victory-Bearer” sat next to the theater. Pliny the Elder described Pergamum as the most prominent city of Asia Minor in the first century. During the 1st and 2nd centuries, Pergamum had a population of 200,000. Pergamum was known for having a healing center (the Asclepion) since 350 BC and became the hometown of Galen (AD 129-216), who was a popular physician, surgeon, and philosopher. Pergamum was known for major production of parchment, which was used to produce writings and housed the empire’s 2nd largest library. Pergamum was also famous for its artisan guild and even exported artisans to surrounding areas to make sculptures and buildings. There was a Jewish presence in Pergamum as far back as 60 BC. Pergamum even sent gold to the Jerusalem temple at one time. The church in Pergamum is not mentioned anywhere else in the New Testament. The congregation likely began while Paul was in nearby Ephesus for three years. By the 3rd and 4th centuries, at least three of the pagan temples had been replaced by Christian churches. Introduction of the Son of Man ​ Revelation 2:12 ESV 12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ‘The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword. Sharp two-edged sword = From the vision of the Son of Man (Rev. 1:16). While the imagery of a sword often refers to the word of God, in this context it is a symbol of judgment. Jesus says He is going to come soon to war against them with His sword if they do not repent (Rev. 2:16). Why does Jesus introduce Himself this way? The church in Pergamum had some serious issues with immorality. Jesus wants them to know that He will come like a warrior against them if they don’t repent. The point here is that when believers compromise truth they can expect destructive consequences. The Positive ​ Revelation 2:13 ESV 13 “ ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. I know where you dwell = Jesus is acknowledging that this church is located in a place that is difficult for Christians. With all the pagan temples and Roman emperor worship as “Lord” (Grk. kyrios), following Jesus in Pergamum made you a target. Satan’s Throne = This is likely referring to the Throne/Altar of Zeus which stood next to the theater on top of the mountain. But Satan’s throne could also refer to the temple of Augustus, where the emperor of Rome was worshiped. There was also a temple to Roma, the goddess who founded Rome. Revelation repeatedly portrays Rome as being driven by Satan. The beasts of Rev. 13 are described as Rome and its emperor. You hold fast my name and my faith = Despite being surrounded by temples to other gods and Satan’s throne, many of these believers remained faithful to Jesus. However, Jesus is only speaking to part of the church because He mentions others who have not been faithful. Antipas my faithful witness = We don’t know much about Antipas. Tradition tells us that John ordained Antipas as the leader of the Pergamum church and that he was roasted alive in a bull-shaped altar at the temple of Appollyon by the local governor during the reign of Nero. It seems that Jesus brings up His knowledge of Antipas to encourage the church that He knows the details of their situation. The Negative ​ Revelation 2:14–15 ESV 14 But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality. 15 So also you have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans. The teaching of Balaam = Refers to religious syncretism—combining Christianity with pagan practices. Balaam’s story is told in Num. 25:1-2; 31:16 where he convinced the Israelites to worship other gods by eating food sacrificed to those gods and committing sexual immortality. This must have been similar to the teaching of the Nicolaitans since they are mentioned together. Food sacrificed to idols = In Pergamum, it was a daily occurence for food to be sacrificed in the various temples and then it was sold in the local markets. It was nearly impossible to buy food that had not be sacrificed to pagan gods. This created a daily struggle for Christians in Roman cities. Sexual immorality = It is repeatedly stated in the New Testament that followers of Jesus must avoid all forms of sexual immorality. This was a non-negotiable issue in the early church and was not to be tolerated. However, like Pergamum, other early churches allowed this practice and were harshly corrected. The Early Church, Idols, & Immorality When we read the New Testament, we find that the church faced issues with eating food sacrificed to idols and sexual immorality very early in its history. In Acts 15, the Jewish believers were struggling with Gentile converts because they didn’t follow Jewish customs, like circumcision, and other Torah laws. After much debate, the apostles decided that Gentiles should not be required to keep Torah. But they did require Gentiles to avoid food sacrificed to idols, sexual immorality, and eating bloody meat (Acts 15:19-20, 28-29). Later on, Paul learns that the believers in Corinth are divided over eating food sacrificed to idols and some are participating in sexual immorality. In 1 Cor. 8, Paul teaches the Corinthians to be careful not to offend Jewish believers by eating food sacrificed to idols. In 1 Cor. 10:1-22, Paul warns them not to participate in meals at local pagan temples. Paul sees this as participating in pagan worship, which Paul says is demonic. Instructions ​ Revelation 2:16 ESV 16 Therefore repent. If not, I will come to you soon and war against them with the sword of my mouth. I will come to you soon = Jesus says that some kind of judgment was coming soon and these believers can avoid it if they repent and remain faithful. War against them with the sword = The persecution of Nero would begin within the next year or so. This is likely what Jesus means by coming to war against the unrepentant. Apparently, the “coming” of Jesus is about judgment and that judgment begins with the church. Peter wrote, “For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1 Pet. 4:17). Promises ​ Revelation 2:17 ESV 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.’ To the one who conquers = This theme is included at the end of each letter, except for the letter to the church in Sardis (the dead church). This is actually a major theme of the entire book of Revelation. Believers conquer Satan by trusting in and remaining faithful to Jesus. This is a contrast for Pergamum who had a temple to Athena (Nike), who was the goddess of victory. Hidden manna = In Exodus 16, God rained down manna from heaven to feed and nourish the Israelites in the wilderness. Jesus referred to this story and claimed to be the bread of life that comes down from heaven to give eternal life (John 6:48-50). Toward the end of Revelation we find a wedding feast (marriage supper) of the Lamb. In that scene, a multitude of saints dressed in bright white linen are worshiping God and are called the Bride of the Lamb (Rev. 19:6-9). When we connect all of this to Jesus’ instructions to Pergamum, it seems that Jesus wants them to avoid pagan feasts so they can join in God’s feast of eternal life as the Bride of Christ. White stone = There are a few options in understanding this image. Archaeologists have discovered in the theater in Pergamum reserved seats with names carved into the stone. The “white stone” could represent a reserved seat in the new creation. This could also be connected with the manna image, since Num. 11:7 describes manna as having the appearance of bdellium, which is like a white crystal. In Revelation, white is a symbol of righteousness and purity (Rev. 3:4-5, 18; 4:4; 6:11; 7:9, 14). A new name = In the Bible, a person’s name refers to their purpose or destiny. For example, Noah’s name means “rest” or “relief” and God uses Noah for that purpose. In the creation story, God gives names to parts of His creation. Therefore, in the biblical mindset being named by someone indicated that you belonged to the one naming you and have been set apart for a purpose. Jesus says that faithful believers will receive a new name in the new creation. This means that we will be forever belong to Jesus and will receive a new purpose and destiny. Application for Today Riding the fence between Jesus and the world will only end in destruction. Idolatry and sexual immorality must not be tolerated in the church. Tolerance within the church will be harshly judged by Jesus Himself. Faithful believers are nourished from heaven and richly rewarded in the new creation, even if this life is filled with trouble.