NOTES for Rev 2:12-17
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.