NOTES for Rev 2:12-17
12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; |
13 I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. |
14 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. |
15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. |
16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. |
17 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. |
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Pergamum was the former capital of the kingdom of Pergamum, an ancient religious and cultural center. From 29 BC the cult of the Roman emperor was introduced in the city, which is why the apostle calls the city the throne of Satan.
Paganism surrounded the Christian community on every side, but the apostle's special warnings are called forth by the Nicolaitans, already mentioned at the beginning of this chapter. By referring to a text from the Old Testament, John explains what exactly is unacceptable in the activity of this sect from the point of view of the Church of Christ. As Balaam inclined the Israelites toward fellowship with pagans, so the Nicolaitans considered it permissible to take part in meals at which food taken from pagan altars was served.
The apostle condemns such a practice, because it is not simply participation in a pagan cult, but also fornication and sexual immorality, since such rituals are unfaithfulness to the God of the Covenant. Faithfulness to the Covenant with God is the fundamental calling of the Pergamene community, and the white stone with a new name written on it will mean for each believer the completion of divine adoption in eternal life.
Readings for 24 November 2025
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