All seven of the churches written to in Revelation were unaware of something that Jesus was aware of, and Pergamum was no exception. In this case, there were problems. Something we should consider in all these cases is, if we were at this church, would we be part of the problem or part of the solution?
Pergamum was a cultural center, home to a major library, and major temples to a number of gods including Asclepius, the god of healing. Pergamum was also the home of Galen, the preeminent medical expert of the Roman Era.
There was also a temple to Zeus high above the city on the acropolis, which may be what Jesus is referring to when he mentions “Satan’s throne”. It certainly would have been a reminder to the Christians of the city that they were a tiny minority at the mercy of the surrounding culture and government.
But Jesus tells them that he knows all about what they are undergoing, that he knows their faith and perseverance. He knows by name those who suffered and even died, such as Antipas. Today, while we in general are safe and comfortable, there are numbers that indicate that more Christians are being martyred globally today than in all history previous. Crises like this are certainly tests of where our relationship with Christ ranks in our lives, but the ranking itself happens long before a crisis. But the church at Pergamum is commended for doing this well.
But it’s not all positive. They are falling prey to a teaching that Jesus relates to the story of Balaam, who encouraged the Israelites to participate in pagan festivals and rituals. This is much the same as what the Nicolaitans were encouraging, in the context of loosening moral boundaries especially in regards to pagan rituals and their sexual components.
This is particularly relevant to us. We and the church at Pergamum both live in a culture that devalue the sanctity of marriage, and where sexual immorality is easy and available. Jesus warns them and us that if they do not stop this, he will “war against them” – and we should consider if some of the scandals and problems coming up in various churches today are not in fact Jesus going to war. We know that God’s love means discipline, just as the love of a parent means discipline.
So we should consider what in our lives Jesus may be unhappy with. How have we been compromising? What do we need to change and repent of?
But if we do repent and persevere, Christ here promises manna – the heavenly feast to replace the pagan festivals – and a white stone, privileged access to the throne of God, high above the throne of Satan.
– Sermon Notes, Mahlon Friesen, Seed Church, Lynnwood, WA, June 16, 2019