Pergamum 313 – 538AD.
Write this letter to the angel of the church in Pergamum. This is the message from the one with the sharp two-edged sword: “I know that you live in the city where Satan has his throne, yet you have remained loyal to me. You refused to deny me even when Antipas, my faithful witness, was martyred among you there in Satan’s city. – Revelation 2 :12-13 NLT
The church at Pergamum (313 – 538AD) was a compromising church. This could explain the reason that Jesus approaches this church with a sharp, double-edged sword. It needs the sharp double-edged discernment that comes by the word of God. “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12, NIV).
The church at Pergamum seems to be the opposite of the church at Ephesus which was sound in doctrine and lacking in love. The church at Pergamum is weak in the very area that Ephesus is strong, the area of sound doctrine.
According to Jesus, Pergamum was a dangerous place for Christians to live. In some sense Jesus considered it the dwelling place of Satan. Pergamum was probably the most impressive of the seven cities listed in this part of Revelation. Its primary ruins lie on top of a steep hill 350mtrs above the plain. The most spectacular remaining structure is that of the amphitheatre, capable of seating some 15,000 people. The most spectacular of its many temples, the Pergamum Altar, was an incredible piece of work, exuding confidence in human genius and the overwhelming power of the religion it represented. Its library is purported to have had 200,000 manuscripts. Fearing that this library would rival the one in Alexandria, Ptolemy V of Egypt (203-181 BC) imposed an embargo on Papyrus rolls. However, this emergency led to the development of parchment in Pergamos. Parchment was the finest writing material ever produced.
Beholders of Pergamum’s achievements would be attracted to the pagan religions of Rome. Compromise would have easily crept in without the believers even being aware of it.
The power of human achievement is even more impressive today. Giant skyscrapers, awesome technological advances, dazzling sports events and shows, all subtly suggest that real life is to be found in human achievement and pride. The Word of God is a sharp, two-edged sword calling this false reality the illusion that it is. After all, mighty Pergamum is largely in ruins today.
The statement “have not denied my faith” is the natural reverse of, “hold on to your confession of faith.” (Heb 4:14; 10:23) The believers in Pergamum have not only retained their trust and confidence in God in good times, but they have also refused to deny that faith when placed under pressure.
We develop our faith in God and His teachings by applying His Word to everyday life. As we see God’s hand at work in everyday life, our faith grows. As our faith passes smaller tests, it is strengthened to where it can pass the more serious tests that may come our way. Faith is built in small steps. It is in the small things that our faith learns to grow. It is in the large challenges that our faith is tested.
The book of Revelation reports the execution of a Christian named Antipas. Church tradition has him as the bishop of Pergamum. His name has an interesting meaning. It means “against everyone.” This fits in well with the typical Gentile accusation against Christians that they were “haters of the human race.” The appellation was placed on Christians because they refused to participate in various aspects of the civil religion that were expected of all good Roman citizens. At the very least they were considered anti-social, and their presence was thought to be bad luck for any community.
While details are not given, Antipas died a martyr to his faith. Imagine living in a place where you never knew which neighbour might suddenly report your faith to the authorities! If it could happen to Antipas, it could happen to any Christian.
Lord strengthen my faith and keep me strong in the little things prepare me to be strong as the things get harder to stay strong