The title of this post describes the 3 or so movements or thoughts within this short 7 verse letter from Jesus Christ to the church @ Pergamos.
First of all the intended recipient, and description of Christ, and the commendation of the church itself.
This letter, as is true of each of the 7, is addressed to the angel, or the messenger, or most likely, the pastor or shepherd of the church there in Pergamos. Christ says the things that He says, as the one who has "the sharp two-edged sword" That was by the way how John in chapter 1:16 described what was coming out of the mouth of Christ. We do know that the Sword of the Spirit is indeed the Word of God.
Here's what Christ knew about them, and commended them for. ( He of course knows everything, but, is simply stating that He knew about them )
1. I know your works. So, they were a working for the Lord church.
2. I know where you dwell. Their physical/spiritual if you will location.
3. I know that Satan's throne is where you are.
4. I know you hold fast my name. They were faithful.
5. I know you do not deny My faith. Again, they were faithful.
6. I know you are faithful even in the face of martyrdom.
The ref to "Satan's Throne" could be a reference to the type of Emperor worship that took place there, or the worship of Zeus @ his altar, on the local acropolis, or both. But, needless to say, Satan was well entrenched there in the life of the community, and in the minds and hearts of it's citizens. The believers in that city were living right in the middle of this Satanic influence and power.
Here's what Christ had "against them" Two doctrines, or teachings are mentioned. There were people in the church who were holding to these teachings.
1. They had those who held to the doctrine of Balaam.
2. They also had those who held the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.
Balaam is an example of greed and misuse of ministry position.
Nicolaitans, are believed to be those who were given over to an ungodly liberty, especially in the area of morals, and or practiced an unbiblical form of church leadership, where the leaders were placing themselves as lord's over the people, and the people were allowing it to be so.
So, both of these things were what Jesus calls "against you" or teachings that He was against if you will. They were not true and not right, and it was displeasing to the Lord that these would be going on in His church.
Here's what Jesus said they were to do.
Repent, or change your thinking, or else, ( if you do not repent ) then I will come to you quickly and will fight against these two groups with the sword of My mouth. What a warning. And, it's also clear that the Lord was giving them time to repent of these teachings.
Finally here's what Jesus promised them by way of blessing.
He asked them to listen, by saying, "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" And, then promised to things.
1. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. This may refer to the sufficiency of Christ for the Christians needs, just as manna was in the OT for the Hebrew people, while they were in the wilderness wandering for 40 years.
2. And, I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it. Again, this may refer to custom there in Pergamos of voting for the acquittal of an accused person by using a white stone. ( indicating that the believer can be assured of his or her being acquitted before God ) Or it might refer to the sufficiency of Christ from the custom there of wearing amulets around the neck. We are not sure.
In reflection and application.
The Lord is completely aware of all the circumstances in our lives. And, in particular of course, He knows of the spiritual warfare that we go through, and the difficulties that Satan can bring into our lives.
Also, it's very possible for their to be teachings, and practices going on in our lives that are displeasing to the Lord, He is faithful to point those out, and is patient in giving us time to repent of them, and repentance from them is what's expected by the Lord.
Finally, we can overcome, or endure, and in the meantime, the Lord is faithful to provide for our needs, and to sustain us, and to accept us into heaven when we leave this world.
Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia.
