Deceived and Compromised. Rev 2:12-17. (224)

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Main Topic

Continuing our series on the Revelation churches, we have a guest to discuss the problem in the Pergamum church. Bible teacher, Jimmy Coates, is live with Keith, while Nathan Caldwell cuts in with a few comments.

For some background, Keith reviews the mention of the swift, two edged sword from the first chapter.

In his right hand he held seven stars,

from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword,

and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.

The sword is

* a weapon

* a symbol of war, oppression, anguish, and political authority.

* a symboled of judgement.

It proceeds from the mouth of Christ, symbolizing that he is the word, and that his words will sharply judge the unjust.

Jimmy offers background on the city of Pergamum (or Pergamos, either spelling is correct).

* Inland city about sixty-five miles north of Smyrna

* One of the official provincial capitals of Roman Asia,

* temples to Dionysus, Athena, Asclepius, and Demeter

* Great altar to Soter Zeus;

* Worship of Dionysus, the god of the royal kings, symbolized by the bull,

* Worship of Asclepius, the savior god of healing, represented by the snake

* Develop vellum or parchment, a writing material made from animal skins.

Getting into the letter to this church:

Verse 12

And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: 'The words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword.

The sword of divine judgement will be used against the deceptive, dividing elements in the assembly. The sword is described as having 2 edges, cutting in any direction it moves. , and is swift. Swift also means to be quick, or alive.

Verse 13

"'I know where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

Jesus sees, and knows. All the pagan worship made this a dangerous place. Satan's seat, or throne, represents a place of authority. A place of long term residence. Through the dangers, and outside attacks of persecution, they remained faithful.

"in the days of Antipas my faithful witness," is a phrase that would identify the time of their faithfulness. this group of believers had endured much suffering, and stood the test. They would know exactly who Antipas was. . For us, nothing is known, other the meaning of the name. Against All.

Whoever he was, Antipas was faithful, (which means trustworthy), and he was a martyr,. Or a witness. Clearly he was faithful unto death.

The phrase, "where Satan dwells" is a reminder that during the worst of their hardships, these people lived in a rough place.

Verse 14

But I have a few things against you: you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, so that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice sexual immorality.

Divisions had shown up. Some remained faithful. Some followed bad theology, or were misled by culture. Since Satan's main method is deception, his ways are not known until they are clearly pointed out.

Part of their compromise is illustrated by the account o...