What The Bible Says.

Fortnightly bible study.

Episode 88 - 24/10/25

Led by Akin George

Tonight, we continue with our study of the seven churches of Revelation - The church of Pergamum.

Pergamum was a stronghold of idolatry and spiritual darkness, with temples to many false gods and pressure to worship Caesar; yet Christ commends believers there for holding fast His name and not denying the faith even under threat of death, as seen in the martyrdom of Antipas.

Jesus reveals Himself to this church as the One who possesses the sharp two-edged sword, underscoring that only the Word of God can discern truth, expose sin, and sustain believers in hostile environments.

Though faithful in persecution, some in Pergamum embraced compromise: tolerating those who taught the doctrine of Balaam, encouraging fellowship with idolatry and participation in sexual immorality as a way to avoid social and political pressure.

The study links Balaam’s strategy in Numbers—tempting Israel to sin through forbidden union and idolatrous feasts—to the subtle infiltration of worldly practices and moral laxity in the church, showing that Satan often attacks from within when he cannot destroy from without.

Scripture highlights that God’s people are called to be separate, a distinct people who dwell apart; therefore compromise with pagan culture, whether ancient or modern, erodes holiness and invites divine discipline.

Christ calls the church to repentance, warning that He will fight against compromise with the sword of His mouth; believers must deal decisively with sin and false teaching in their midst, holding fast to Scripture and refusing to “blend in” with the culture.

To the overcomer, Jesus promises hidden manna—His sustaining presence—and a white stone with a new name known only to the one who receives it, symbolising intimate acceptance and eternal blessing for those who remain faithful in a world hostile to the truth.