Rev.2:12-14 – “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,
‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam,
These two names, Antipas and Balaam, pretty much mirror the opposite types of people we have seen over the centuries that have influence in the church. Antipas was a disciple of John who gave his life serving the church in Pergamum. Martyrdom had become a common occurrence toward the end of the first century, especially for those who were recognized as leaders in the church. Unfortunately there was another group that walked in the tradition of the ancient false prophet Balak. These were the Nicolaitins who believed (like Balak) that religion could serve as a great way to accumulate wealth. Those who followed in the path of Balaam often fell into a lifestyle of immorality, sound familiar? These two functions were opposite, one living to advance God’s kingdom the other dominated by self interest.
The strange thing about this is that we can see these two movements clearly operating in the modern church. Too often leaders fall into the trap of using the church to accumulate wealth, nothing can be more offensive. Thankfully there are those who walk in the steps of Antipas. They may not physically die for the sake of the gospel but their whole life has been hidden away in God’s kingdom plans. At the end of the day there is really only these two options, which one will you choose?
This letter to the church in Pergamos touches on two problems that Christians are facing in the modern world. First we are faced with compromise, especially in the area of sexual impurity. Immorality of all sorts is not only allowed today but it is celebrated. Standing for sexual purity is not popular and those who make the stand are ostracized. The second issue in Pergamos dealt with the Nicolatins. They were well known for using spiritual connections for improving their financial circumstances. This is far too common today and causes confusion and contention in the church. Let’s take the encouragement from the Lord Himself as we follow after Him, take the hidden manna He offers which is Christ Himself to cause us to persevere in difficult times.