1. Introduction: Pentecost & Context

• Relevant Scriptures:

  • Revelation 1:10: “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet.”
  • Leviticus 23:15-16: “And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete: Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the Lord.”
  • Joel 2:28-29: “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.”
  • Acts 2:1-4: “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

• Explanation: John, in the spirit on the Lord’s Day, receives a divine message from Jesus. The timing coincides with Pentecost, a significant Jewish festival marking the giving of the Torah and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This context sets the stage for the church in Pergamum to receive a message about standing firm in faith amid worldly pressures.

2. The City of Pergamum

• Relevant Scriptures:

  • Revelation 2:13: “I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.”

• Explanation: Pergamum was the capital of the Roman province of Asia, known for its grand library and the Temple of Asclepius, symbolizing healing and medicine. The church is situated in a city notorious for idolatry and persecution, yet they remain strong in their faith, holding fast to Jesus’ name despite the surrounding spiritual darkness.

3. Word of Commendation

• Relevant Scriptures:

  • Revelation 2:13: “I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.”

• Explanation: Jesus commends the church for their steadfastness, noting that despite dwelling in a place where Satan’s influence is strong, they have not denied His name. This reflects the church’s resilience in holding onto the truth of the gospel, a lesson for believers to stand firm in their faith no matter the surrounding pressures.

4. Non-Negotiables of Christianity

• Relevant Scriptures:

  • Revelation 2:14-15: “But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.”

• Explanation: Jesus points out the church’s doctrinal purity but highlights their vulnerability to compromise. The non-negotiable doctrines of Christianity—such as the inerrancy of Scripture, the virgin birth, and Jesus’ vicarious death—must remain uncompromised. Despite being doctrinally sound, the church must avoid the temptation to conform to worldly values or false teachings.

5. The Persecution of Antipas

• Relevant Scriptures:

  • Revelation 2:13: “I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.”

• Explanation: The martyrdom of Antipas, who was killed for refusing to worship Caesar, stands as a powerful example of the church’s unwavering commitment to Christ. This section highlights the cost of discipleship and the persecution believers may face when standing against the tide of idolatry and secular authority.

6. Word of Confrontation

• Relevant Scriptures:

  • Revelation 2:14-15: “But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.”

• Explanation: Despite their faithfulness, the church in Pergamum has allowed false teachings to creep in—specifically the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitans. These teachings lead to compromise, encouraging believers to participate in idolatrous practices. Jesus warns that while doctrinal purity is crucial, the church must also guard against moral and spiritual compromise, especially from its leadership.

7. Call to Repentance

• Relevant Scriptures:

  • Revelation 2:16: “Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.”

• Explanation: Jesus calls the church to repentance for allowing corruption to take root. The warning is clear: if they do not turn away from these compromises, He will come to confront them. This is a call for both individuals and leaders in the church to examine their hearts, maintain spiritual integrity, and reject the influence of worldly values.

8. Word of Consolation

• Relevant Scriptures:

  • Revelation 2:17: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”

• Explanation: Despite the rebuke, Jesus offers encouragement to those who overcome. He promises to provide “hidden manna,” representing the spiritual nourishment and sustenance that only God can provide. The “white stone” symbolizes victory, acquittal, and eternal access to God’s kingdom. This promise assures believers of their secure place in God’s kingdom and the intimate, personal relationship they have with Christ.