Revelation #4: Pergamum ,The Church of Compromise

Faith and Compromise in Pergamum

Revelation 2:12-17

The third letter is addressed to the Church of Pergamum, a significant city in Asia Minor known for being a major religious center filled with temples, altars, and statues dedicated to various idols. Among these were the temple of Athena, the goddess of wisdom, as well as those of Dionysus, the god of festivities, and Asclepius, the god of medicine, often represented by a serpent. Many pilgrims visited Pergamum seeking healing. It also boasted the Temple of Jupiter, which was dismantled and later reconstructed in Berlin prior to World War I. Furthermore, Pergamum built a temple in honor of Emperor Augustus Caesar. This city was famed for its library, which housed 200,000 volumes, and it was here that the parchment, known in Greek as “pergamena” (animal skin), was first utilized, lending the city its name. Historically, the Church of Pergamum, in the late first century, signifies a period from Emperor Constantine through to the sixth century. A significant transformation occurred in 312 AD when Christianity transitioned from a persecuted minority to the official religion of the Roman Empire after Constantine’s conversion, which is still debated among scholars. The persecution ceased, yet it increasingly became challenging to maintain a clear distinction between the Church of Jesus Christ and the world, as well as to preserve the purity of biblical doctrine. The Church gradually lost sight of the imminent return of Jesus Christ, as the simplicity of biblical teachings was overshadowed by complicated ecclesiastical organizations. Instead of pagans becoming Christians, it was often Christians who accepted pagan teachings and practices, leading to a considerable decline in biblical fidelity during this period.

The Faithful Yet Compromised Church

The passage indicates Jesus’ recognition of the faithfulness of the believers in Pergamum, exemplified by their unwavering commitment even in the face of severe trials. He identifies Himself as the one holding the sharp, two-edged sword, a representation of judgment. This imagery emphasizes the authority He possesses in distinguishing between genuine believers and those rejecting the Gospel. It is noteworthy that Jesus acknowledges their loyalty amidst the challenges posed by the city, described as the place where Satan’s throne is located. Despite the surroundings, the Christians maintained their faith and did not renounce their loyalty to Jesus, declaring Him Lord rather than Caesar. Their example poses a challenge to contemporary believers— to remain steadfast and true to Christ despite the corrupt environment and growing apostasy. Antipas, a faithful witness who stood firm against evil, serves as a model of loyalty to the Lord. The question arises: how many faithful Antipas-like believers do we find within churches today?

Calls for Renewal and Repentance

While the Church in Ephesus was critiqued for abandoning its “first love,” and the Church in Smyrna received no criticism, Pergamum faced serious issues. The Lord communicates His disapproval regarding the compromises that have infiltrated the church. This is marked by two major flaws that taint the Church’s standing and merit the title “Church of Compromise.” The reference to the doctrine of Balaam, which encouraged the Israelites to eat food sacrificed to idols and engage in immorality, serves as a stark reminder. Jesus calls the church to repentance, urgently stressing that unless they turn away from these practices, He will act against them. Emphasizing the significance of spiritual vigilance, He warns with His sharp sword—the Word of God. In today’s context, as we reflect on the meaning of faith and compromise, the call to renewal remains paramount. The Church must strive to remain faithful and uncompromised, holding firmly to biblical truths amid societal pressures.

The Doctrine of Balaam

In Revelation, we read about the serious issue of the doctrine of Balaam. In verse 14, it states: “But I have a few things against you: You have there those who hold to 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.” The sad story of Balaam is found in the book of Numbers, particularly in chapters 22 to 25. Balak, the king of Moab, was terrified of the Israelites as they neared his territory. He sought out Balaam to curse Israel, hoping to eliminate this threat to his land. Balak sent a delegation with gifts to Balaam. However, God spoke clearly to Balaam: “You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people, for they are blessed” (Numbers 22:12). Yet Balaam continued to negotiate with God as if he could sway Him. His heart was not sincere; he coveted the riches that Balak offered. Eventually, unable to curse Israel directly, Balaam advised Balak to lead the Israelites into sin, resulting in thousands losing their lives. This warns us about the grave sin of greed and its severe consequences. You cannot serve both God and money.

The situation at the church in Pergamum was critical as they tolerated individuals with the same doctrine as Balaam. Like Balaam, these people set traps for believers. We must ask ourselves: Is my life a stumbling block for others? Am I a source of edification or destruction? Remember the serious words of the Lord: “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:6). Similar to Balaam, the individuals in Pergamum encouraged idolatry and immorality. Idols can take many forms in our lives—be it career success, wealth, or relationships. “Little children, keep yourselves from idols!” (1 John 5:21). When it comes to immorality, none are exempt. We must be vigilant and act accordingly. Paul reminds us that God’s desire is for our growth in holiness, refraining from sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3).

The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans

Verse 15 states: “Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans.” The second grave compromise in Pergamum was the presence of adherents to the doctrine of the Nicolaitans. Little is known about them, though some believe they were a precursor to church hierarchy (Nicolaitans means “to conquer the people”). Others view them as a sect encouraging a life of permissiveness. This led to a blurred line between Christians and the world. What the church in Ephesus hated—the deeds of the Nicolaitans—were allowed in Pergamum. James reminds us that “friendship with the world is enmity with God” (James 4:4). The church in Smyrna represents the post-apostolic church, pure yet persecuted, while the church in Pergamum represents a union with the state, losing its distinctiveness. With the absence of persecution by Satan, he instead tried to corrupt the church from within. The Apostle Peter reminds us of our status as pilgrims, urging us to abstain from fleshly desires that wage war against the soul (1 Peter 2:11-12). Compromising your position in Christ will result in losing spiritual power.

The Lord’s Exhortation

In verse 16, the Lord commands the church in Pergamum, and any church on a similar path, to “repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.” The faithful in Pergamum were called to recognize the precarious situation of their church and to repent. This would lead them to take action against troublemakers, possibly excluding them from the church. If they did not, the Lord would handle it Himself. In the face of compromise, the remedy is clear: “repent!” The Bible assures us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). The Lord’s promise is beautifully articulated in revelation: “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.” The hidden manna symbolizes spiritual nourishment, a communion with the Lord that is essential yet unseen by the world. The white stone signifies acquittal and acceptance before God. Praise the Lord for this grace!

Conclusion: The grave sin of Israel in the plains of Moab exemplifies the seriousness of compromise with sin. When Israel faltered, God’s anger burned against them, and judgment followed. Phinehas took a bold stand for righteousness, which stopped the plague among the Israelites. As we await the return of Jesus Christ, let us proceed zealously for Him, wielding the sword of the Spirit—God’s Word—practicing vigilance against compromises in our lives and within the church. All of this is for the glory of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

-sermon series by Pastor Michel Bohrer

 Questions and Answers Relating to the Seven Churches in Revelation