Topical Encyclopedia Pergamos, also known as Pergamum, is one of the seven congregations addressed in the Book of Revelation. Situated in the Roman province of Asia, modern-day Turkey, Pergamos was a significant city in the ancient world, known for its cultural, political, and religious influence. The city was renowned for its grand architecture, including a famous library second only to that of Alexandria, and its status as a center of pagan worship.Biblical Reference: The church in Pergamos is mentioned in Revelation 2:12-17. The message to the congregation is delivered by the Apostle John, who records the words of Jesus Christ. The passage reads: "To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of the One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live, where the throne of Satan sits. Yet you have held fast to My name and have not denied your faith in Me, even in the days when My faithful witness Antipas was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you: You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality. In the same way, some of you also hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Therefore repent! Otherwise I will come to you shortly and wage war against them with the sword of My mouth. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone inscribed with a new name, known only to the one who receives it." (Revelation 2:12-17) Historical and Cultural Context: Pergamos was a city deeply entrenched in idolatry and emperor worship. It was home to several temples dedicated to Greek and Roman gods, including Zeus, Athena, and Dionysus. The city's most prominent religious site was the altar of Zeus, which some scholars suggest is referred to as "the throne of Satan" in Revelation. Additionally, Pergamos was a center for the imperial cult, where the Roman emperor was venerated as a deity. Commendation and Rebuke: The believers in Pergamos are commended for their steadfastness in faith despite residing in a city described as "where Satan dwells." They are praised for holding fast to the name of Christ and not denying their faith, even during persecution, exemplified by the martyrdom of Antipas, a faithful witness. However, the church is also rebuked for tolerating false teachings. Some members adhered to the teachings of Balaam, which led to idolatry and immorality, and the Nicolaitans, whose practices were similarly condemned. The call to repentance is urgent, with a warning of divine judgment if they fail to correct their ways. Promise to the Overcomers: To those who overcome, Christ promises "hidden manna" and a "white stone" with a new name. The hidden manna symbolizes spiritual sustenance and the fulfillment of God's promises, while the white stone, possibly a reference to a token of acquittal or acceptance, signifies a personal and intimate relationship with Christ. Conclusion: The message to the church in Pergamos serves as a timeless reminder of the challenges faced by Christians living in a world rife with spiritual and moral compromise. It calls believers to remain faithful, resist false teachings, and seek repentance, holding fast to the hope and promises found in Christ. Nave's Topical Index Revelation 1:11Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What you see, write in a book, and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia; to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamos, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea. Nave's Topical Index Revelation 2:12-17 Library The Laodicean State of Christendom. Epistles to the Seven Churches. The Angels of the Seven Churches. Our Lord Himself Spoke of his Return in the Language of Imminency. John's Salutation to the Churches. The Number of those who Fought for Religion in Gaul under Verus ... The Climax of Ecclesiastes' Exercises Seems to have Been Reached ... The Heresies of the Apostolic Age. Of Eustathius Bishop of Sebastia. The Church of God. Resources What does the Bible say about eating food/meat that has been sacrificed to idols? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Jesus' message to the church in Pergamum in Revelation? | GotQuestions.org Does salvation affect more than just the afterlife? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |