“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges. I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and has not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Baalam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate” (Revelation 2:12-15).
To say the church in Pergamos was a compromising church is an understatement. From our verses we glean much criticism. The NIV Study Bible offers this concerning today’s verses. “The phrase ‘where Satan has his throne’is taken to mean “Satan ruled from Pergamum in that it was the official center of emperor worship in Asia. It is believed Antipas suffered a slow, excruciating death as a martyr during the reign of Domitian.” Later in that commentary regarding the teaching of Balaam we find these words: “Balaam advised the Midianite women how to lead the Israelite men astray. He is a fitting protype of corrupt teachers who deceive believers into compromise with worldliness.” Lastly here is something about the “doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which I hate.” “The Nicolaitans were a heretical sect within the church that had worked out a compromise with the pagan society. They apparently taught that spiritual liberty gave them sufficient leeway to practice idolatry and immorality.” One of many weapons in our Enemy’s arsenal is found in the word, “compromise.” It’s like it doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are sincere. However, you can be sincerely wrong. When so many false teachings are overshadowing the truth, one seems to be swayed to any “wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). It is so important to be rooted in the truths of God’s Word . . . unless you belong to the compromising church of Pergamos.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for those working in creative access areas, whether working with Muslims in open countries or among multiple religious ethnicities in restricted countries. Pray God will use activity centers, English lessons, cooking lessons, music lessons, or other creative means to allow Christians to interact with non-Christians. Pray in all these interactions the light of Christ will shine through and people will desire to know the God that lives in Christ-followers. Pray workers will be “wise as serpents” and “wise as doves” in their interactions.
