February 9, 2022

And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write: ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.”’ Revelation 2:12-13

Thus begins the third of the seven letters from Jesus. It is to the church in Pergamos, located at the northernmost point of the circular mail route. Jesus identifies Himself as “He who has the sharp two-edged sword.” This is a symbol for the Word of God, showcasing its dual nature. Inherent in the Word is the power to pierce the reader’s (or hearer’s) heart concerning sin. It also has the power to “surgically” remove it. At Creation, He spoke, and it came to pass. We too often underestimate the power of His Word to refine our character because we are stubbornly slow to submit to the life-changing power that He is offering. This is about obedience!

Both edges of the “two-edged sword” are necessary in the work of salvation. There had been faithful individuals in the church at Pergamos, as indicated by the strength with which they survived a period of persecution. The name “Antipas” means “father’s likeness” and may refer to numerous faithful ones who sealed their testimony in their own blood during this period. But the church as a whole came to allow something that had earlier been totally unthinkable. Compare these two verses, the first one being a commendation in the letter to the church at Ephesus and the second, a rebuke to the church at Pergamos:

“But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.” Revelation 2:6

“But I have a few things against you….you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.” Revelation 2:14a,15

There is a destructive theology—or doctrine—that Jesus hates. This is because it can bring about the downfall and ruin of people who had intended to follow Him. The intensity of His hatred here corresponds to His heart of unmeasurable love for people. The early church at Ephesus had the discernment to keep this harmful doctrine out of the church. But already we see compromise in the church at Pergamos due to a failure to make a distinction between true and false doctrine. The church at Pergamos, which means “elevation,” ironically lowered itself in the form of compromise. This failure to make a proper distinction meant they accepted church members who promoted teachings that Jesus hates. This opened the door for Satan to opportunistically set up a seat of operations, a “throne,” and has taken up residence there! We can see that church people lacking discernment are easy prey to become the very instruments of the enemy. Our wily foe relishes any and every opportunity to do an “inside job” in order to weaken, divert, and destroy the faith of God’s people.

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. Galatians 1:6-7 (NIV)