Confronting Spiritual Compromise
Insights from John’s Letter to the Church in Pergamum
This article is the third installment of the letters to the seven churches in Revelations 2 and 3.
Exiled on the island of Patmos, Jesus instructed John to write letters to the seven early Christian churches. Jesus assessed the spiritual condition of the congregation. He made promises, corrections, and encouragement based on their individual circumstances.
These lessons remain relevant and valuable for the modern church. This also applies to those who are children of God (1 Cor. 6:19–20; 1 Cor. 3:16–17; Rom. 12:1; 8:9; 14:8).
This article discusses the letter to the Church in Pergamum. Following the style of previous articles, I will share a summary of the city. I will also examine the church’s spiritual health and the letter written for Pergamum. Next, I go over the letter’s relevance for today’s church. I will then invite us to examine ourselves, make the changes needed for our salvation, and witness.
The Seven Churches
John wrote these letters to the early church. These seven early churches in Asia Minor are in present-day Turkey. These churches were Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. These churches experienced challenges that were common to the larger Christian community of that time.
This article focuses on the church in Pergamum. But first, let’s take a look at the group of letters.
The Letters
Dictated by Jesus, the church’s head (Col. 1:8), John addressed the letters to the angels of each church. Both Greek and Hebrew translate “angel” as "messenger.” “Angel” could refer to the pastors of the church. The term could also refer to spiritual angels, the messengers responsible for communication on their behalf. (Got Questions Ministries).
Please keep in mind that each of these letters follows a specific format. In each, the Lord describes himself in a way that sheds light on the church’s current predicament. Then Jesus provides unique information about the church. He then challenges or corrects the congregation before concluding with a promise. It is considered that John used this method to confirm that he was writing under Jesus’ dictation.
After summarizing the city, I will follow the same format as the letters. I’ll then explain how the letter applies to today’s church.
Church of Pergamum (Revelation 2:12–17)
Background of the City
Attalus III, who had no heir, ceded his kingdom of Attalus (Pegamon) to Rome, where it became part of the Roman empire. Pergamum was a city of political and military importance. It served as a key administrative hub in Asia Minor. Despite the presence of Judaism and the spread of Christianity, the city practiced idolatry and paganism.
The city erected temples and shrines for many deities. These included Zeus, Athena, Dionysus, Augustus, Demeter, and Hera. Dubbed “satan’s seat”, its acropolis and city was recognized as a satanic worship center. Its name is likely given because of the city’s widespread paganism. The likeness of these deities was also placed on their coins. The city’s architecture included Greek sculptures, paintings, and other ornamental art. These structures placed Pergamum as one of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece.
The city was also known for its achievements in science, art, and culture. As a major medical hub, the city built a sanctuary dedicated to the deity of health, Asclepius. This sanctuary became known as the healing facility of its time.
Pergamum’s collapse began with an earthquake that devastated the city. There were no major construction projects after this point. The Gauls also sacked the city. Throughout the reign of the Byzantine Empire, the city experienced many setbacks. The final demise was when the Ottoman Empire conquered it. The city further decayed and, over time, abandoned. The land is now known as Bergama, a town in Izmir, Turkey.
The Letter to Church of Pergamon
Jesus referred to himself as “the words of him who has the sharp two-edged sword” (Rev. 2:12). Jesus establishes that he’s the one with greater power and authority over any government official. (Got Questions Ministries).
Praise
Jesus states that he knows the church lives in satan’s stronghold: “I know where you live, where satan’s throne is”. Rampant paganism, made legal under the Roman government, made it difficult for Christians. Jesus commended the church for professing Jesus as Lord, and they did not deny their faith. They stood in their faith even when Antipas, a follower of Christ, was martyred.
Rebuke
Jesus rebuked the church for allowing the false teachings of Balaam and other immoral behavior to infiltrate the church. He refers to King Balak, who enticed the Israelites to sin. He condoned eating food sacrificed to idols and committing sexual immorality. (Rev. 2:14). Other members were adhering to the teaching of the Nicolaitans, another false doctrine. Other members married unbelievers and engaged in idolatry. This opposed the instruction of Christ, which prohibits marrying unbelievers and avoids idolatry. (2 Cor. 6:14; 1 John 5:21).
Correction
Jesus commands the church to “Repent or else I am coming to you (suddenly)”. He further warns that “I will wage war against them with the sword of my mouth.” (Rev 2:16 ESV).
Promise
The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, Jesus will give them some of the hidden manna, and I will give him an inscribed white stone which no one knows except the one who receives it.
“This may refer to the Roman practice of giving victors in athletic competitions a white stone inscribed with their name. This token served as their “ticket” to enter an awards celebration later on.” (Got Questions Ministries).
Today’s Significance
These days, it’s hard to recognize the modern church from the world. Many large and small churches resemble the world. They appear more like motivational speeches, concerts, freak-offs, and the club. These organizations dilute, manipulate, and omit the scriptures for their own personal intentions.
It’s like adding pickles and onions to a fruit smoothie—it doesn’t work.
Jesus is clear in the consequences for those who do not repent, change their minds and their ways, and follow him:
“No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3 & 5 ESV).
“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” (Rev. 21:8 ESV).
Proverbs 14:12 states, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” (ESV).
Don’t be that person.
Jesus warns us in Matthew 24 to “see that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ’, and they will lead many astray.”(Matt. 24:4 ESV), and that “many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.” (Matt 24:11 ESV).
We are living in times where “people will have itching ears to accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths,” (2 Tim. 4:3–4 ESV).
So how do we avoid mixing false doctrines with the true Word of God?
“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Col. 2:8 ESV).
We do this by challenging the doctrine.
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1 ESV).”
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2 ESV).
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matt. 7:15–20 ESV).
To Challenge False Doctrine, You Must know The Word.
That means that we must consistently study the Word of God:
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12).
“Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the world with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:11 ESV).
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 ESV).
Pray with Gratitude
“Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matt. 26:41 ESV).
“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” (Col. 4:2 ESV)
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thess. 5:16–18 ESV).
Seek the Guidance of the Holy Spirit:
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26 ESV)
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Gal. 5:16 ESV). “If we live by the Spirit, let us also step with the Spirit.” (Gal. 5:25 ESV).
“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” (Rom. 8:26–27 ESV).
Be doers of the word:
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22 ESV).
Encourage Other Christians in the Word:
“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1–2 ESV).
And Avoid Such people:
“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” (2 Timothy 3:1–5 ESV).
The letter to the Church in Pergamum serves as both a reminder and a warning. It reminds us to help and encourage each other to live according God’s word. To do that, we must consistently study the Word of God, pray
Lesson:
The lesson for Pergamum is about resisting compromise. Though commended for their faithfulness amidst persecution, they were rebuked for tolerating false teachings and practices.
Today’s church would do well to practice holiness now. Please note that it is not our actions that provide salvation (John 3:23; Eph. 2:8). When you love God and have a relationship with him, you willingly follow his instruction (John 10:27; 14:15).
Jesus is clear that we are not to dilute God’s infallible word with false doctrines and immoral practices. (2 John 1:10; Rom. 16:17–18; Eph. 5:7, 5:11; 1 Cor. 10:21).
God does not tolerate false doctrine and immorality in the church. Christians who try to blend biblical teaching and godly living with false doctrine will learn the hard way that the two don’t mix. (2 Peter 2:1–22).
You do not want to go to war with Jesus!
Reflection
Now that you’ve read the letter from Jesus to the Church in Pergamum, and understand how the letter is still relevant to us today, we have an opportunity to examine ourselves:
“Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” (1 Cor. 11:28 ESV).
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? Unless indeed you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test. But we pray to God that you may not do wrong-not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed.” (2 Cor. 13:5–7 ESV).
“But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.” (Gal. 6:4 ESV).
Are you guilty of tolerating false doctrines and practices in your life?
I have.
I’ve included some questions that I asked myself. I’ve also included relevant scriptures to help examine whether you have allowed false teachings and practices to creep into your life:
Is This You?
- Do you cobble teachings from different sources on social media to validate your behavior, even if those teachings contradict the Word of God? (Prov. 16:2; 30:12).
- Have you ever accepted teachings as part of your faith but later realize those ideas are influenced by false ideologies, conflicting with your biblical beliefs? (2 Chron. 7:14; 1 John 1:9; Heb. 10:19–23; Acts 3:15, 17; Lev. 5:17)
- Are you sometimes hesitant to open the Bible to evaluate teachings or practices that seem contrary to the foundations of your Bible-based beliefs? (1 John 4: 1–6).
- Are you more concerned with being accepted by society, or is your personal convenience a priority over the Gospel of Christ? (Prov. 29:25; Luke 12:4; John 12:42–43; 1 Pet. 4:16–19).
- Have you felt uncomfortable challenging beliefs or practices in your church that appear to violate the word of God, so you remain silent? (Eph. 5:11; Jas. 5:19–20).
- Do you avoid correction from other Christians when your ideas or actions are put into question? Do you feel offended when someone addresses your behavior? (Prov. 3:11–20; Prov. 15:31–32; Prov. 10:17; Prov 12: 1–11; Prov 27:5–6; Matt 18:15–20; Heb 12:6; 2 Tim. 3:16–17).
- Do you rationalize the reasons for mixing various doctrines into your faith that you know may not align with the Bible? (2 Tim. 4:3–4; Gal. 1:8; Rom. 1:18)
- Are you swayed by popular trends or influencers who contradict your bible-based faith? (Rom 12:2; 1 John 2:15–17; 2 Cor. 6:14–18; 1 Pet. 2:9–12; Jas. 4:4)
- Have you felt inner conflict/spiritual unrest because of inconsistencies between your beliefs and the teachings you receive from different sources? (2 Cor. 7:9–10; 2 Pet. 3:9; Rom 2:4; Rom 2:15–16)
- Are you holding on to old mindsets that are not scriptural? (Isaiah 43:18–19; Eph. 4:20–24; Matt 19:26)
- Have you pledged allegiance to a person or an organization that requires you to disobey the teachings of Christ? (Isaiah 42:8; Matt 5:34; Exod 20:4–5; Exod 22:20; Exod 23:13; Exod 34:14; Eph 5:11; 1 John 5:21; Lk. 8:17; 1 Cor. 10:21; Luke 4:8; Rom 8:7; Rom 12:1–2; Deut 5:7–8; 1 Cor. 10:14; 11:27; Luke 6:46; Mark 7:7–9; Psa. 97:7; Matt 15:8–9; Matt 6:24; John 14:6 Isa. 1:16–21)
- Do you secretly have a guilty pleasure that promotes the opposite of the lifestyle of a follower of Christ? (Rom 8:7; Prov 10:9, 28:13; 1 Pet 5:6–8; Psa. 19:12–13; Luke 8:17; Psa 90:8;
- Do you study the scriptures to examine yourself, including what you may consider small or major decisions? When making a decision, what advice/information do you seek to assist you? (Prov 3:5–6, 16:3; Psa 32:8; Jas. 1:5; Prov 28:26, 11:14)
Please meditate on the scriptures noted in this article to allow for teaching, repentance, and correction. If you find that you have compromised your faith, the good news is that if we confess and repent of our mistakes, God will give us mercy (Prov. 28:13).
I’m a witness to his grace and mercy.
I pray this article helps you improve your relationship with the Lord. Remember, it’s not about our works. Salvation is a gift from God because of his love for us. It's all about our relationship. When our relationship with God is strong, our actions will follow.
If you would like to know more about Jesus and developing a relationship with him, I would be honored to introduce you.
References:
Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers (n.d.). Revelations Chapter 2. ESV.org. Retrieved April 22, 2024, from https://www.esv.org/Revelation+2/
Free Text Bible Commentaries — Blue Letter Bible. Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/
Got Questions Ministries. (n.d.). Revelations Chapter 2. BibleRef. Retrieved March 23, 2024, from https://www.bibleref.com/Revelation/2/Revelation-chapter-2.html
Kennedy, T. (2018, December 26). Pergamum. Drive Thru History. https://drivethruhistory.com/pergamum/
Logos Bible Software (n.d.). To The Church in Pergamum. App.Logos.com | Faithlife Study Bible. Retrieved May 1, 2024, from app.logos.com/books/LLS%3AFSB/references/bible.87.2.12
Mark, J. J. (2022, September 8). Pergamon. World History Encyclopedia. https://www.worldhistory.org/pergamon/
