Saturday, July 8, 2006

Church in Pergamos

The church in Pergamos

Rev 2:12 And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

Jesus, who wields the sword of truth; his word spoken by the Spirit of God. Better listen when Jesus speaks.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Heb 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

To the church of Pergamos, to the angel, or spiritual messenger.

Rev 2:13 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.

The church was commended for holding fast to the name of Jesus and not denying the faith. Antipas, was described as a faithful martyr. He died for his faith in Jesus. We know nothing more about him.

They dwelled where satan's throne was. Apparently satan was worshipped in this city in many ways. This was the official meeting place for the Roman government and Caesar worship. Other gods were worshipped here. A two hundred foot high altar was built for the god, zeus, who was given worship as all powerful and good, stealing glory from the true God. Satan is a thief. There was another god worshipped, aesclepius, who was worshipped as a healer, his symbol was a serpent. Our God is the true healer. These God's took away from the true god. Idolatry is worshipping a false god, something that takes away from our worship of the Living God.

Rev 2:14 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.

This church was not doctrinally pure. They were covetous, they ate things sacrificed to idols and they committed fornication, sexualsin.

Rev 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.

They had leadership that were lording over the people. They also lived immorally. They would today be allowing homosexuals in leadership. They were not living according to the truth of God.

John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

Rev 2:16 Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.

Repent now, or face the sword when Jesus returns taking God's wrath on those who do not follow him. He will judge by his word. Repent, study and do his will now.

Rev 2:17 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.

The hidden manna, the word hidden from those who do not seek him. Repent, dig deeper in his Bible and he will show you new things. He will give you a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, a personal name.

White stones were used in old times in a court, to signify the person not guilty.

The stone may possibly refer to a ministry gift. For it is for that person, and not another. Peter was told his ministry by Jesus, and when Peter inquired about what John was to do? Jesus, said in affect, none of your business.

John 21:17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

John 21:20 Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?
John 21:21 Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
John 21:22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
John 21:23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?

Follow Jesus, do not be as the world, sensual, covetous, lovers of pleasures. Nor be idolaters, seeking to worship false idols. Be Christians in word and in deed, not just in name only.

Eaglewings New Testament Studies

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