The Church in Pergamum is one of the seven churches addressed in the Book of Revelation. Pergamum, also known as Pergamos, was an ancient city located in what is now modern-day Turkey. It was a significant cultural and religious center during the Roman Empire, known for its impressive library, temples, and as a center of emperor worship. The city's religious atmosphere was heavily influenced by pagan practices, which posed challenges for the early Christian community there.

Biblical Reference:

The primary biblical reference to the Church in Pergamum is found in Revelation 2:12-17. In this passage, the Apostle John records the words of Jesus Christ to the church:

"To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of the One who holds the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live, where the throne of Satan sits. Yet you have held fast to My name and have not denied your faith in Me, even in the days when My faithful witness Antipas was killed among you, where Satan dwells." (Revelation 2:12-13)

Commendation:

The church in Pergamum is commended for its steadfastness in faith despite residing in a city described as "where the throne of Satan sits." This phrase likely refers to the pervasive pagan worship and the presence of a large altar dedicated to Zeus, as well as the imperial cult that demanded allegiance to the Roman emperor as a deity. The believers in Pergamum are praised for holding fast to the name of Christ and not denying their faith, even during persecution, exemplified by the martyrdom of Antipas, who is referred to as "My faithful witness."

Rebuke and Exhortation:

Despite their faithfulness, the church in Pergamum is rebuked for tolerating certain false teachings and practices within their community:

"But I have a few things against you: You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block before the Israelites so they would eat food sacrificed to idols and commit sexual immorality. In the same way, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans." (Revelation 2:14-15)

The reference to Balaam alludes to the Old Testament prophet who led Israel into sin through idolatry and immorality (Numbers 22-25). The Nicolaitans, mentioned here and in the letter to the church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:6), were a sect that likely promoted a form of antinomianism, encouraging believers to compromise with pagan practices.

The exhortation to the church is clear: "Therefore repent! Otherwise I will come to you shortly and wage war against them with the sword of My mouth." (Revelation 2:16). The call to repentance underscores the seriousness of allowing false teachings and immoral practices to persist within the church.

Promise to the Overcomers:

To those who overcome, Christ promises hidden manna and a white stone with a new name:

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will give the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone inscribed with a new name, known only to the one who receives it." (Revelation 2:17)

The "hidden manna" symbolizes spiritual sustenance and the provision of Christ, contrasting with the idolatrous feasts. The "white stone" may refer to a token of acquittal or acceptance, with the new name signifying a transformed identity in Christ.

Historical and Theological Context:

The church in Pergamum faced the challenge of maintaining doctrinal purity and moral integrity in a city rife with idolatry and emperor worship. The message to Pergamum serves as a warning against the dangers of compromise and the importance of upholding the truth of the Gospel amidst external pressures and internal corruption. The call to repentance and the promise of reward highlight the enduring hope and victory found in Christ for those who remain faithful.