Nov 01, 2020

Revelation 2:12-17

Quick context — Jesus is dictating a 3rd letter to John… Revelation 2:12-17, “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword (the aspect of His person revealed in chapter 1 Jesus is now wanting to emphasize): 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. (His commendation.)

But I have a few things against you (now we get to Jesus’ condemnation), because you have there (in this church) those who hold the doctrine (literally the teaching) of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 

(Jesus’ council in light of these things) Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. 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.’”

Let’s begin, as we have with the last two letters, by providing a profile of this ancient city of Pergamos. Pergamos was located, like the others, in a region known as Asia Minor — present-day, western Turkey. Specifically, Pergamos was about 50-miles north of Smyrna and situated 15-miles inland. Geographically, Pergamos was at a much higher elevation than the coastal cities making her the ideal military stronghold. Pergamos means height. 

Historically, Pergamos was known for her beauty. Aside from three temples dedicated to Emperor worship and another to the goddess Diana, perched high above the city was a stunning Altar to Zeus. Constructed in the second half of the 2^nd century BC, the Altar to Zeus was recognized in its day as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Today, you can actually see this altar in the Pergamon Museum located in Berlin, Germany. 

It’s also worth noting this city was an educational center that focused primarily on the development of medicine. Aside from the fact, Pergamos had an incredible library containing some 200,000 volumes, she was the hometown of one of the most prominent and accomplished medical researchers of antiquity — a Greek man named Galen.

Connected with this educational pursuit was the famous Temple to Asclepius. Within Greek mythology, Asclepius was the god of medicine and healing represented by a rod with a serpent wrapped around it — this just so happens to be the same symbol used by the American Medical Association. Historically, Asclepius was known as the serpent savior.

During this period of history, sick people from all around the world would travel to Pergamos to be healed by Asclepius. Procedurally, they’d spend a night on the temple floor with a collection of non-venomous snakes. Legend states that, if bitten, you’d be healed. In my estimation, this is a perfect example of the cure being much worse than the disease!

In verse 13, Jesus makes a really provocative statement… He says to this church, “I know where you dwell (speaking of Pergamos) where Satan’s throne is (adding) where Satan dwells.” While we can assume, in light of these various Pagan temples and the demonic practices associated with them, Jesus is emphasizing how the city of Pergamos was a satanic stronghold, what makes this statement so challenging is there is nothing in the text to indicate we shouldn’t take what Jesus is saying literally! 

Contrary to most depictions, I hope you know Satan’s home is not postmarked hell! Additionally, because Satan is a created angelic being, he’s also not omnipresent. Though Satan is a spiritual possessing the ability to move within dimensions, he is as limited to time and a particular space as you and me! Again, most incredibly, according to Jesus, at the end of the first-century, Satan had established Pergamos as his base of operations.

You see there is no way around the reality that Jesus is affirming to these believers that Satan was currently “dwelling” in Pergamos where he had established his “throne” or seat of power. While scholars speculate the Altar of Zeus or potentially the Temple to Asclepius (the serpent savior) might have had something to do with this, one of the more probable and I believe interesting theories takes you all the way back to the fall of Babylon. 

There is ample historical evidence to suggest that before the Persian King Xerxes conquered the city of Babylon in 487 BC, the pagan Babylonian priesthood escaped to Asia Minor specifically setting up their base of operations in the city of Pergamos. As a result, it was in this city where the particular rites and secrets of this ancient cult dating all the way back to the wicked Nimrod and Tower of Babel continued to be practiced. 

It’s also worth pointing out, according to Numbers 22:5, the prophet Balaam (mentioned by Jesus in this letter) was also from the area of the Euphrates — ancient Babylon.

There is no question this church in Pergamos was positioned right in the center of a dark culture hostile to the truth. From the sexual immorality associated with the worship of Diana to the witchcraft connected with Zeus, to the mystical practices related to Asclepius, every day these believers were bombarded by pagan, hedonistic, worldly influences. Aside from this, you can imagine the very presence of Satan himself intensified the spiritual warfare.

With all of this in mind, let’s look at Jesus’ commendation of this church in Pergamos. He begins, in verse 13, “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is.” The coupling of these two ideas lets us know Jesus was impressed with their “works” — especially in light of their location and the culture they were living in! Though this church was in the midst of incredible temptation and immorality, they were doing the right things!

Jesus also says, “You hold fast to My name!” Faced with a real spiritual battle, these Christians not only relied on Jesus, but they defended His name and therefore nature. Jesus adds, “And you did not deny My faith!” Though they were in the middle of the fire of spiritual oppression, generally speaking, these believers still remained true to the faith.

Specifically, Jesus says they remained faithful “even in those days which Antipas was My faithful martyr!” While we have no other mention of this man Antipas in the Bible (in fact, he’s the only martyr referenced by name in the Book of Revelation), tradition claims he was the pastor of this church in Pergamos who, as a result of Domitian’s persecutions, was martyred by being baked alive in a bronze bull located at the base of the Altar to Zeus.  

While this church was a serving church that held fast to Jesus’ name and did not deny the faith even in the face of persecution, Jesus does have some stark criticisms. Beginning with verse 14, “But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.” 

What is fascinating about this particular letter is that while Jesus is clearly referencing two different doctrinal beliefs that were creeping into this church, in His criticism, He holds the faithful responsible for allowing these doctrines to be taught in the first place!

Look again at verses 14 and 15, “I have this against you” (the faithful believers) that “you have there (within this church) those who hold the doctrine (the teaching) of Balaam” as well as “the Nicolaitans.” It would appear the issue Jesus had with this church wasn’t the fact these unfounded doctrines or even the people who taught them existed… Instead, Jesus was being critical of those who weren’t doing anything to stop them! 

While traditionally the church located in Pergamos is often referred to as the Compromising Church, I believe she’d be better titled as the Apathetic Church! Instead of confronting these doctrines, the church of Pergamos was allowing these things to be taught unabated.

In order to unpack what was actually taking place in this church, it’s important to define what Jesus means when He references the “doctrine of Balaam” and the “doctrine of the Nicolaitans.” Let’s start by discussing what we have called the “doctrine of Balaam.”

Back in Numbers 22, we have recorded the interesting story of a Gentile prophet named Balaam — who really is a perplexing character. In way of a little context, the Nation of Israel had been liberated from Egypt but on account of their lack of faith to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 13-14) had been forced to wander the wilderness for 40 long years. 

As the Nation grew and her numbers increased, opposition from local powers who felt threatened naturally mounted. And yet, each time Israel was attacked, whether it be by the Canaanites or the Amorites, God granted His people a decisive victory. By the time you get to Numbers 22, the Children of Israel are once again making their way to the Land of Promise which required them to set up camp east of the Jordan in the “plains of Moab.”

Alarmed by this development, the Moabite King Balak devised a plan of action. He sent word to Balaam with the following request recorded in Number 22:6, “Please come at once, curse this people for me, for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.” To Balak’s chagrin, God warned Balaam so he rightly declined.

Not willing to take no for an answer, Balak offered Balaam more money to go and curse the people of Israel. Even though Balaam knew God forbid him from doing this, the money was too enticing so he mounted his donkey and proceeded ahead. The only problem was the donkey refused to go forward. Upset, Balaam beat his ass until the donkey started speaking. You see, unbeknownst to Balaam, the donkey could see the Angle of the LORD blocking the road with a sword drawn intending to kill his master for disobedience!

Following a conversation with the donkey and a word with the Angel of the Lord, Balaam was granted permission to work for Balak as long as he only spoke the words God gave to him. The following chapters document how on 4 separate occasions Balaam tries to curse the Children of Israel only to pronounce an incredible blessing infuriating his employer!

According to Numbers 31, realizing he was in a tough spot with Balak but also knowing there was no way God would allow him to pronounce a curse, Balaam gives this Moabite king some advice. While there was no way to get God to remove His blessing, there was a way to entice the Israelites to come out from under God’s blessing. Balaam suggests Balak send into the camp of Israel his prettiest Moabite girls in order to lure their men into sexual sin and idolatry. The advice was to get God to judge His own people. It worked!

Scripturally, because of his evil actions recorded in Numbers, of all the Old Testament characters, Balaam is mentioned three times by the New Testament writers. Aside from this passage, in 2 Peter 2:15, we read, “They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam, who loved the wages of unrighteousness.” And in Jude 1:11, we’re also warned of those who “have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit.”

Regarding “the doctrine of Balaam” there are a few obvious characteristics Jesus was seeking to emphasize. First, we can assume the “doctrine of Balaam” was one of moral compromise. Jesus points out that within this church in Pergamos there were “those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.”

And yet, at the core of his story, sits the reality Balaam viewed his service to God as a means to an end. We’re told he “loved the wages of unrighteousness” and was “greedy for profit.” Though he was a sanctified prophet through whom God spoke, and while Balaam received genuine prophetic visions, it seems he was always looking for a way he could use his anointing to profit himself! In a sense, Balaam presents for us the prototype of a corrupt teacher who twists the truth of God’s Word for their own personal gain.

Aside from the “doctrine of Balaam,” Jesus also points out that within this church were “those who held to the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.” In His first letter to the church in Ephesus, Jesus mentioned that He hated “the deeds of the Nicolaitans.” In this instance, Jesus is clear their “doctrine” was something He also found to be equally despicable. 

As I mentioned two Sundays ago, the word “Nicolaitans” is a compound of two different Greek words “niko” meaning to conquer, and “laites” meaning the people. Many scholars believe the “Nicolaitans” were a group seeking to insert the concept of the Jewish priesthood into the New Testament model — a religious structure that demanded the involvement of a priest over a personal relationship with Jesus!

Their claim was Christians, like the Israelites, were also in need of a priestly intermediary — someone to represent them before God. In the end, the intention was to lord the clergy over the laity! David Guzik observes, “The title possesses the idea of a proud authority and a hierarchical separatism.” Because no father ever wants someone telling his kids what he thinks of them, for the second time, Jesus says this notion was something He “hated!”

Applying this to the church in Pergamos… While they were a serving church that held fast to Jesus’ name refusing to deny the faith even in the face of persecution and incredible spiritual warfare, Jesus was concerned they were allowing these false doctrines to be taught in their midst. This church was tolerating sexual sin and blatant idolatry. Motivated by greed, like Balaam, their leaders were using the ministry as a means to their own ends. Sadly, the clergy was exerting an influence over the laity they were simply not entitled to!

While this is rather straightforward, in order to gain a more complete picture as to the way these doctrines were creeping into this church, it’s important we discuss what movement of Church History Pergamos represents. While Ephesus personified the Post-Apostolic Church and Smyrna the Persecuted Church, this church represented the next movement in history known as the Byzantine Church or the Church of the Holy Roman Emperors. 

Last Sunday I noted how, beginning with Nero, for some 250 years the Christian Church endured ten waves of Roman persecution. And while each of them was brutal, it could be said the final persecution by Diocletian and his successor Galerius proved to be the worst. 

In 303 AD, Diocletian rescinded the legal rights of all Christians and a massive slaughter ensued. Early church historian Eusebius of Caesarea wrote of the martyrs during this time period, “For they drew the stoutest branches together with machines, and bound the limbs of the martyrs to them; and then, allowing the branches to assume their natural position, they tore asunder instantly the limbs of those for whom they contrived this. All these things were done, not for a few days or a short time, but for a long series of years.” 

He describes one such instance when “a hundred men with young children and women, were slain… being condemned to various and diverse torments… some suffering decapitation, others torture by fire; so that the murderous sword was blunted, and becoming weak, was broken, and the very executioners grew weary and relieved each other.”

What is truly astounding is while this persecution was vicious Eusebius notes, “In these conflicts the noble martyrs of Christ shone illustrious over the entire world… the evidences of the truly divine and unspeakable power of our Savior were made manifest through them.” Some historians estimate that, during the persecution of Diocletian, for every one Christian who was martyred some four people ended up becoming followers of Jesus Christ.

Recognizing this political climate is important for it sets the stage for what came next… Though the persecution of Christianity had been intense, because the church continued to grow and public perception of what was occurring began to wain, in 311 AD, while on his deathbed, in his final act as Emperor, Galerius issued what was known as the Edict of Toleration formally putting to an end any and all violence directed towards Christians.

Then, one year later, in 312 AD, as his armies marched into a final battle hoping to reunite the Roman Empire, the new Emperor Constantine claims he received a vision from God of a cross with the command, “In this sign, you will conquer!” The next day, before their campaign, he instructed all of his troops to adorn their shields with this Christian symbol.

Because Constantine’s armies proved victorious, in what some have seen as proof of his conversion and others as simply a shrewd act of political savvy, in 313 AD, Constantine took the Edict of Toleration one step further by issuing the Edict of Milan legalizing Christian worship and restoring any property that had been confiscated from the church. 

In this edict, Constantine wrote, “It is proper that the Christians and all others should have liberty to follow that mode of religion which to each of them appeared best.” For the first time in maybe her entire history, the Christian church throughout the Roman world was finally free to operate openly in society without the fear of religious persecution!

Though the official merger of the Church and State would come roughly 60 years later, history does show how Constantine became very involved in Christian affairs. And while there were instances when this proved beneficial for the church (the Council of Nicaea rejected Arianism and produced the Nicene Creed), overall the favor of the Roman Emperor yielded several unintended and in many ways tragic consequences within the Church.

Because the church now enjoyed the protection and financial support of the State, two things happened. First, the church became susceptible to institutional corruption by those who saw her as a way to amass power. And secondly, in order to keep and maintain her favor with the State, the church began justifying moral and theological compromises. 

One would be right to observe that once the Satanic strategy of persecution failed, the wily Devil saw privilege and power as the way to minimize the church’s effectiveness. The old saying proved true, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

Let me explain how those corrupted by power were able to twist God’s Word in such a way that it not only justified moral compromise but created a theological need by which those who controlled the church could also enrich themselves in the process.

First, it was during this period of Church History, the theology of grace was twisted to justify moral laxities. Because the church was scared of losing the political favor and financial backing of the establishment, the doctrine of grace was warped whereby Christian liberty became a license to sin. You see a person was permitted to live like hell and still go to heaven for “where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.” (Romans 5:20)

Secondly, it was during this period of Church History, the church (and notably the clergy) started seeing itself as now being the dispenser of God’s grace. Instead of taking sins directly to Jesus and receiving God’s grace through faith, a theological position emerged requiring sins be taken directly to the church (confession to a priest) who would then provide instructions as to how God’s grace could be earned back through a person’s works.

Because the people now needed a priest to dispense God’s grace so they could receive God’s forgiveness, the church amassed incredible power and control over the people — “The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans.” Sadly, as a fact of history, it didn’t take long for these church leaders to figure out interesting ways to monetize their newfound influence.

Again, it was during this period of Church History, the concepts of penance, indulgences, purgatory, sainthood, icons, and relics started appearing in the church and in her edicts. Literally, the church was ruling over the people by utilizing a set of twisted doctrines all designed for personal gain — “The Doctrine of Balaam.” In the end, you could live in moral compromise and still receive God’s grace and forgiveness for the easy price of $19.95! 

With the church in Pergamos and this Byzantine period in mind, let’s return to the text and look at Jesus’ counsel. In verse 16, Jesus says, “Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.” Again, it’s interesting how Jesus parses His counsel. While there were those within this church who were guilty of promoting these twisted, heretical doctrines, Jesus’ counsel focused on the faithful remnant within this church who were allowing these things to be taught unchecked.

His exhortation begins with the word “repent” which noted a changing of the mind that manifested a change of direction! Because the faithful were not fighting against what was taking place in their church, Jesus starts by saying this needed to immediately change. He then adds, “Or else (if you don’t take the necessary action) I will fight against them!” 

In the end, Jesus’ criticism of this church was the faithful had been lackadaisical in how they were handling the growing influence of these warped doctrines. In fact, they weren’t doing anything to stop them! They were allowing cancer to spread in the body! Jesus tells them they needed to man-up, take a stand, and go on the offensive — “or else!” 

Because Jesus loves His church, He is clear He’d handle the situation Himself if they didn’t! He says, “I will fight against them!” In Greek, the word “fight against” means to wage war. In light of this, it’s not an accident, Jesus began this letter back in verse 12 by introducing Himself as “He who has the sharp two-edged sword!” Again, this was a battle sword!

In this warning, in verse 16, Jesus explains “the sharp two-edged sword” described also back in the first chapter was in actuality “the sword of His mouth!” While the “sword” is different, Hebrews 4:12 gives us a measure of context for how powerful and piercing the Word of God really is. We’re told, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

In considering all of these things in their historical context, you have to wonder how a corrupt element within the church was able to introduce so many non-Biblical doctrines? Tragically, the answer is found in the reality it was also during this period of history church leaders ceased teaching the Bible and the people largely stopped reading it for themselves! 

Sadly, the faithful within this church of Pergamos failed to heed Jesus’ warning which, in turn, forced Him to make good on His promise! Consider the fundamental catalyst for what we call the Protestant Reformation — a movement that rejected all of these non-Biblical doctrines prominent in this church — was a return to the teaching and study of God’s Word! Jesus would “fight against them” and history affirms it was through His Word!

Jesus closes the letter with two promises “to him who overcomes.” First, in verse 17, He says, “I will give some of the hidden manna to eat.” In invoking this Old Testament image of “the hidden manna” (Exodus 16) Jesus is reiterating the fact there was nothing better than the perfect provision one receives from His Word. In John 6:41, “Jesus said, “I am the bread which came down from heaven.’” God’s Word is food for the human soul!

Secondly, Jesus says to the overcomer who fights against these false doctrines, “I will give a white stone!” Within Roman society “white stones” were used in all different kinds of situations and for varying purposes. And yet, it would seem because on this stone was “written a new name which no one knows except him who receives it” it was probably a special invitation or reservation — with the destination most likely being heaven!

When you couple “hidden manna to eat” and “a white stone” on which was “written a new name” we understand Jesus’ promise “to him who overcomes” would be a greater revelation as well as a deeper, more personal relationship with Himself!

So, what is Jesus saying to you and me through this letter? First and foremost, I think it’s safe to say the greatest danger for any church is not outside opposition but an inward corruption. It’s one of the reasons a separation between the Church and the State is advisable and warranted. While our founders never intended to protect the State from the influence of the Church, they did recognize, through experience, how important it was to protect the Church from the corrosive influences of the State! I.E. the Church of England!

To her credit, this church in Pergamos had been determined to hold the frontline against the enemy. Though the opposition to Christianity was undoubtedly fierce, these believers remained steadfast in their service and Godly witness. Even when faced with the prospects of a brutal death and martyrdom, they boldly defended the name and reputation of Jesus!

And yet, there was a problem that led to her inevitable downfall… While on guard for a frontal attack, this church ignored a spreading cancer that yielded the same deadly result! Without their knowledge, Satan had switched tactics. His strategy was no longer opposition but infiltration. If you can’t beat them, join them! Satan entered this church and destroyed her from within because the faithful failed to do anything to stop it!

For our purposes, it’s worth considering how Satan destroys a church from within? While the obvious answer is moral compromise — a tolerance of sin (especially if it's for the benefits of political favor, protections, and expediency) will absolutely rob a church of its power and standing, the question begs how does a faithful church reach the point where moral compromise is both allowed and justified in a church community? 

I believe there is a simple answer to this question illustrated by this church in Pergamos and demonstrated by what happened during the Byzantine period. You see the doctrine of grace was distorted by false teachers because God’s people don’t know His Word!

It’s interesting to me the fundamental criticism Jesus had concerning the church in Ephesus was that — fearing worldly influences might root into the church — she’d warped the doctrine of grace hoping to fortify moral walls. Fearing sin, no longer was the Gospel “Grace Period.” In Ephesus, the Gospel was distorted to legalistically include “Grace, And do these things” or “Grace, But don’t do these things.” In turn, she “left her first love!”

Ironically, this church also twisted the doctrine of grace but in an entirely different way. In order to excuse sin in the camp, her leaders embraced a “Grace, So I can do anything” Gospel-distortion. You see, to justify moral compromise, grace was intentionally distorted to be something you could earn more of and therefore expend when needed! Sadly, a relationship with Jesus was exchanged for a transactional partnership with the church.

This is why the core purpose of this letter was Jesus pleading with the faithful to be ever-vigilant. Tragically, they weren’t, so Jesus had to come and wage war against her! Never forget, bad doctrine always leads to bad behavior! Once more, anything other than grace and grace alone will zap the Gospel of its power! History attests that when the church no longer fights to remain doctrinally sound the consequences are catastrophic! 

In closing, the biggest problem with the church in Pergamos was the fact, because they didn’t know God’s Word for themselves, false teachers were able to take advantage of them. Christian, if you fail to study God’s Word for yourself, it’s safe to say you probably don’t know God’s Word. And if you don’t know God’s Word, then it’s highly likely you won’t recognize when it’s being twisted, know how to defend against it, or possess the skills to fight back against the attacks of a very real enemy! “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”