The Church of Pergamum

One of the first things I picked up on as I began to explore what the city of Pergamum was like was that they had cause for a significant amount of pride. It was the capital of the Roman empire in Asia and had countless impressive statues and temples dedicated to the gods of the day, most particularly an awe-inspiring temple dedicated to Zeus. In addition to this, there was a giant alter to Zeus that was shaped like a huge throne on which, apparently, animal sacrifices were constantly burned, causing the air in the city to always have the singed scent of burning flesh. This is, perhaps, the origin of the reference to “Satan’s throne” in Revelation 2:13.

Further, Pergamum contained a vast well of knowledge supplied by a library that rivaled that in Alexandria, Egypt, containing 200,000 scrolls – because of this, although the people living there at the time wouldn’t have known, the root of our word for ‘parchment’ comes from the name ‘Pergamum’, showing just how much influence this great city had over the ancient word at the time.

In addition to all of this, this great city also boasted of a health spa that people came from miles and miles around to be healed at. This ancient Asclepium was luxurious as well as extremely successful in terms of the effect it had on its ailing visitors. One of the founders of modern medicine, Galen, received medical training at this Asclepium, proving even further the influence of this great city.

Because of all the pride that was contained in Pergamum, Jesus’ greeting to this particular church is rather humbling. It was stated in the books I was exploring that the author’s reference to the “sharp, double-edged sword” is to remind the people living in Pergamum that, while they do indeed have much to be proud of and many accomplishments to point to, that does not change the fact that, ultimately, Jesus is in supreme control of their wellbeing and fate.

Unfortunately, in spite of all these wonderful features, the city was horribly corrupt. The idol worshiping was wild and intense and there was an immense amount of pressure on the Christians of the day to participate in these practices. According to 2:13, a man by the name of Antipas who was killed because of his refusal to engage in idol worship and other such activities. Thus, given this context, it is impressive that Jesus first praises this church’s faithfulness.

However, of course, words of correction are also spoken. Their apparent situation reminds me so much of how, over and over again, when God’s people are in a place with foreign gods and He tells them to have nothing to do with them, His people always blur – then blatantly cross – that line. Apparently the church of Pergamum was having a hard time toeing the line as well. The story referenced, that of Balaam and Balak, reflects well the predicament they found themselves in. Jesus than warns the church that if they do not change their ways they will be smite down by God himself when He returns.

Personally, I adore the last part of Pergamum’s message. Because after a reprimand as to what the church should be doing differently, Jesus assures the church of this: if they follow His commands, He will help and sustain them (give them the “hidden manna”, which is thought to represent the sustenance He gave to the Israelites in their time of need) and that He has such wonderful things in store for us. In the ancient world, stones were used as tickets into various events, and Jesus promises that He will give us a white stone – a modern day “golden ticket”, so to speak. Beyond that, a name – a new name for us, one that God personally picked out – will be engraved on our stone, on our ticket. In the Old Testament, the changing of a name is a significant happening, changing a person’s identity and their path in life. Thus, in verse 17, Jesus is promising us a ticket to join Him in paradise and a completely transformed identity in Him to carry with us until we get there.

And I think that’s pretty grand.

Thesis: “Separate yourselves from the evil around you and do not let it permeate your lives; do this and I will be with you, help you, transform you, and lavishly reward you.”

References:

Helyer, L. R., & Wagner, R. (2008). The Book of Revelation for dummies. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley.

Metzger, B. M. (1993). Breaking the code: Understanding the Book of Revelation.

Trafton, J. L. (2005). Reading Revelation : A Literary and Theological Commentary (Vol. Revised edition). Macon, Ga: Smyth & Helwys Publishing, Inc. Retrieved from http://ezproxy.messiah.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=634986&site=ehost-live&scope=site