[:en]TO THE CHURCH IN PERGAMUM (vs. 12-17)
Speaker: Words of him who has the sharp, double-edge sword
- Commendation: You remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me
- Rebuke: You hold the teachings of Balaam, enticing the Israelites to eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality
- Counsel: Repent
- Punishment: I will fight you with the sword of my mouth
- Reward: He who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna and a white stone with a new name on it.
Pergamum is a center of Greek culture and education with a 200,000 volume libreary. But it was also the center of 4 idolatrious cults – Zeus, Dionysus, Asclepius, Athene. The city chief god was ASCLEPIUS, whose symbols was a serpent and it was considered the god of healing. Pergamum was called the city where the great throne of Satan was located.
Jesus’ sharp two-edged sword represents God’s ultimate authority and judgment. It is God’s judgment against the rebellious nations.
Balak was a king who feared the large numbers of Israelites traveling his country so he hired Balaam to curse them. Lured by money offered to him, Balam influenced the Israelites to turn to idol worship and lead people away from God.
“Manna” that has been hidden away in heaven suggests the spiritual noursihment that the faithful believers wil receive. Jesus is the bread of life that satisfies our spiritual hunger.
“White stones” may be symbols of the believers’ eternal nourishment or eternal life. It will bear the new name of every person who truly believes in Christ and evidence that a person has been accepted by God. God will give us a new name and a new heart.[:]