Reference Scripture:
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; 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. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac 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. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 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. (Revelation of John 2:12-17)
John writes about the year 95AD.
The Church at Pergamos/Pergamum is the compromising Church.
Compromising is not an evil thing in it’s self, what is potentially evil is the thing you are compromising to or with. Pergamum was a major city in the east. At the time of John it was a Greek city under the rule of the Roman empire. The location of the ancient city is situated in present day western Turkey. Within the city was the second largest library in the world, second to the Library of Alexandria Egypt. Pergamum was noted for developing parchment for writing when prior to this papyrus was used for writing. The library at Pergamum had over 200,000 scrolls in it’s vaults.
Yeshua commanded John to let the Church know that he sees and hears them even in the midst of their trials tribulations and temptations. Within the city were temples of Asclepius and the people who resided there and in the region were heavily dedicated to their false gods. This is why Yeshua noted that he knew they were situated where the devil’s seat was. The Lord is always specific in his warnings, exhortations and commands. It was a notable thing that the Church survived within a city which was a hotbed of clear idolatry. The sin that prevailed was outward and Yeshua with his sword of righteousness thrusts through it to reveal it and when he returns at his second advent he will reduce it to a small spark and before the regeneration he will extinguish it. Pergamos was also the city where the notable Christian leader Antipas was martyred whom Yeshua himself testifies of his faithfulness unto death. Yeshua said “Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32)”, “Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: (Luke 12:8). He fulfills his promises he made to the faithful. Christians may feel like YHWH doesn’t see or hear them in their time of trouble, whether it is illness, financial difficulties, relationships or persecutions but he does. The Christ-Like new creature needs to know that the strength of YHWH is in them. That our going through anything is a test of faith and we don’t go through it alone. If his eye is on the sparrow and you are more precious than the sparrow you must acknowledge that is eyes are on you. The Lord hears your cry, even your deepest groaning then helps you pray for correction. I cannot emphasis enough that you must differentiate yourtaking yourself through a wilderness of trial or painopposed to you going through for the Gospel’s sake. Standing up for what is right, not giving in to temptation and not compromising with sin like some of the Church members at Pergamos character that YHWH rewards.
Yeshua sited specifically the sins they were guilty of. The Nicolaitanes were followers of Nicolaus, a heretic. They were a sect of gnostics (Gnosticism : from Ancient Greek: γνωστικός, romanized: gnōstikós, Koine Greek: [ɣnostiˈkos], 'having knowledge') is a collection of religious ideas and systems that coalesced in the late 1st century AD among early Christian sects. These diverse groups emphasized personal spiritual knowledge (gnosis) above the proto-orthodox teachings, traditions, and authority of religious institutions.) who taught immoral and impure doctrines such as a community of wives and that committing adultery and fornication was not sinful and eating meats offered to idols was lawful. Today this would not be called a sect but it is described as having a “worldly spirit” because it is not so outwardly exhibited. The evil one is a deceiver and those who follow him and those who are deceived by him operate in the same manner. They cal evil good and good evil. People think they can fornicate, commit adultery, perform acts of lewdness, drunkenness and because they go to a Church and say they believe they think that it is alright. All disobedience to the Word of YHWH is sin!
“The doctrine of Balaam”. Balaam was the typical hireling prophet, anxious only to make a market of his gift. (Numbers 22:5,6) There are a myriad of people making a profit on the Gospel and making merchandise of the Saints. Be careful not to get caught up in that spirit. “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (II Peter 2:1-3)”. Be careful of people with titles and TV shows, Facebook pages, Instagrams and all types of media. Presenting themselves as something they are not. A picture or photo or stream can contain 100 words as the saying goes but they can also tell 100 lies. They creep in to your faith stream intending with a spirit of deception.
Yeshua gives the remedy, repent. The first step to repentance is to acknowledge your sin. Pride comes before destruction. Pride keeps people from acknowledging they are wrong. It is a spiritual stronghold. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. (II Corinthians 7:10)
Yeshua gives the reward. The hidden Manna is Spiritual nourishment necessary for the journey and completeness/wholeness in the new life in him. We don’t know what the White stone is but it carries your new name that goes with your new shoes and new robe to wear in the new kingdom forever more.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)