While Pergamum (or Pergamos, Rev. 2:12-17) is not mentioned directly in other places of Scripture, it is located in the region Mysia, which Paul traveled through on his way to Troas (Acts 16:7-8). Some scholars believe this is when the church would have “picked up” the Christian beliefs and began around this time, and may have been strengthened by Paul’s later travels to Ephesus. Pergamum was a very lofty, worldly place that served as a temple for many pagan gods, including the temple for Zeus (AKA “Satan’s throne”). It was a challenging place to have belief in the One True God, and His son, Jesus Christ.

For this reason, Jesus commending the church for remaining true to his name is all the more powerful. This is a group of people who day in and out were faced with false gods and pressured to worship them. Even through martyrdom experiences, they held fast to the name of Jesus (v.13). What a compliment and praise to receive from the Savior!

BUT, unfortunately, the praise Jesus gives quickly turns to correction. Despite continuing to believe in Jesus, many believers did not hold fast to the doctrine Jesus taught, and tolerated the ungodly practices in their church. They did not maintain the command to worship no other god, except God himself. Instead, they permissed to teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans (v.14). Really, what this means is this church had compromised the teachings of Jesus for what the world around them was teaching. They accepted the teachings of false gods and allowed them in their lives. And Jesus calls them out! He tells them to repent, or else face the sword of his mouth (v.16), which we know is the Truth of who he is and his Father!

In comparison with the church in Ephesus, Pergamum seems to be on the opposite end of the spectrum. Ephesus struggled being too far away from their community to speak the truth in love, whereas Pergamum struggled to be set apart from the world and speak the truth at all.

Again, Jesus reminds this church that this message is for anywho who has ears. He writes to them about the promise of hidden manna (being filled with Jesus, the bread of life), a white stone (a clean slate free of judgment), and a new name (an identity in Christ). Those who not only remained faithful, but also remained set apart for Christ, were given a satisfying, safe, community to be part of.

In today’s modern day, it can be far too easy for believers to compromise the biblical truths they know for what the world has to offer, for the sake of wanting to belong or be comfortable, or just not ruffle any feathers. Yet, we are called to more, with a reward that is so much more than anything anyone in this world could even come close to comparing to. Our society yearns to be satisfied, safe, and accepted. But the only way to truly experience those things is when we cling tightly to Jesus Christ and his teachings, and fully put on our new identity in him. When we withhold the truth from anyone, we are not truly loving them the way Christ loves his church. Jesus loved the church in Pergamum enough to call them to repentance. Do you have the same love for those around you?