NOTES for Rev 2:12-17

Pergamum, the former capital of the kingdom of Pergamum, was an ancient religious and cultural center. In 29 before the birth of Christ, the cult of the Roman emperor was introduced in the city, which is why the Apostle calls the city Satan’s throne. Paganism surrounded the Christian community on all sides, but the Apostle’s particular warnings concern the Nicolaitans, already mentioned at the beginning of this chapter. By referring to an Old Testament passage, John explains what exactly makes this sect’s activity unacceptable from the perspective of Christ’s Church. Just as Balaam enticed the Israelites into fellowship with pagans, so the Nicolaitans considered it permissible to participate in meals at which food taken from pagan altars was served. The Apostle condemns this practice because it is not simply participation in a pagan cult, but also sexual immorality and fornication, since such rituals constitute unfaithfulness to the God of the Covenant. Faithfulness to the Covenant with God is the principal calling of the community in Pergamum, and for every believer the white stone inscribed with a new name will signify the completion of divine adoption in eternal life.