Pergamos was a city on the Caicus River located some 50 miles north of Smyrna. The Lord’s apostles had established churches in seven cities along a Roman mail route in what is now the nation of Turkey. Pergamos was the third in that row of cities.

Beginning in Revelation 2:12 Jesus tells the Apostle John what to write to the Pergamos church, to whom He introduces Himself as the One Who has the sharp sword with two edges. This sword–the Word of God (Eph. 6:17)–proceeds out of His mouth (Rev. 19:15). This is the sword with which He will rule all nations in the future, and with which He rules His people today. Those who are not ruled by that sword are not His people.

The Lord began His message to the Church of Pergamos by recognizing her works. This is especially significant in that Pergamos was Satan’s headquarters–his “seat.” This was where he dwelt–the city from which he affected the rest of the populated world. Satan is one entity who, like God and Christ, are in only one place at a time. Just as the members of the Godhead are everywhere in the universe through their Holy Spirit, Satan is everywhere at all times by way of his demons–fallen angels. The fact that God and Jesus are Themselves not everywhere at one time presents a problem for many people. This confusion is due to a misreading of Psalms 139:7,8. In this passage David notes that no matter where he might be–in heaven, in hell, in the sea, in darkness or in light–he can never get away from God’s “Spirit” which he calls God’s “Presence.” The “presence” of the Godhead is in all places at all times through Their “Spirit” while they remain on Their thrones in the northern part of the third heaven as the Scriptures tell us. See The Trinity. Satan, by the same token, though in only one location at a time, nevertheless influences mankind throughout the world through his demons. Much, if not most of the sinful behavior of mankind is caused by demons, a Biblical fact which the unchurched world, not to mention many in professing Christendom, fail to realize.

It would be an understatement to say that the saints in Pergamos were a fearless group. As the Lord had John to write, they had held fast to His name and had not denied their faith even when one of their own, Antipas, was martyred for obeying the Lord. To witness someone being murdered for obeying God undoubtedly sent shock waves among those who were doing the same thing. Most people would assume, because of their works and their demonstrated bravery in the face of Satan himself, that the parishioners in the Church of Pergamos were one with God, that He was pleased with them. Not so.

“Nevertheless, I HAVE A FEW THINGS AGAINST YOU.” In spite of all the good things the Pergamos church was doing, the Lord was AGAINST them because they had allowed sin to rise up in their midst– they were allowing spiritual fornication (idol worship) to take place in the Body of Christ. Also, they were allowing the Nicolaitanes to practice their self-indulgent life-styles while calling themselves Christians.  These people were disciples of Nicolas, whose name means “slayer of men.” Today he is known as St. Nickolas, St. Nick and Santa Claus. In the Bible he is known as Tammuz (Eze. 8:14), the son of Simiramus, who is known in the Western world as Easter. See the posting by that name. The heathen god called Santa Claus has indeed spiritually slain billions of people by enticing them to celebrate the annual pagan ritual called Christmas. See the Christmas postings.

Jesus warned the Pergamos church that, in spite of their many good works, they must repent of their sins, put out of the church those who are against Him and overcome Satan. Otherwise, He would FIGHT THEM WITH THE SWORD/WORD OF HIS MOUTH–He would punish them according to the Word they were rebelling against. He then spoke to the true saints in the church, promising those with an ear to hear that He would (future tense) allow them to eat of the tree of eternal life. He would also give them a white stone on which would be written a new name that only they would know. Note that all references to salvation are written in future tense, proving that the crown of life will be awarded at the time of His return to this earth, and only to those who have lived in obedience to Him. Read First John, especially 2:6 and 3:6,8-10. L.J.