Christ’s Message to a Tolerant Church
As Jesus wrote to the church in Pergamum in Revelation 2:12-17, He shared words of encouragement and warning that are relevant today.
Let us first consider Jesus’ commendation. To the angel, or pastor, of the church in Pergamum, Jesus identifies Himself as “He who has the sharp two-edged sword.” This highlights the authority and power of His word.
Despite the active influence of Satan in their region, Jesus is stoked by the believers in Pergamum who “hold fast My name, and did not deny My faith.” Even though their pastor, Antipas, was brutally taken away to intimidate the rest, they stayed loyal to Jesus. They didn’t back down or renounce their faith.
Amidst our trials and tribulations, Jesus is not distant but intimately aware of our situation. He commends us when we hope in Him and remain unwavering in our testimony. May we continue to honor Christ in this unwavering manner.
However, Jesus also had “a few things against” the church in Pergamum. Certain individuals there had embraced “the teaching of Balaam, who kept teaching Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel,” to commit idolatry and sexual immorality.” In other words, they tolerated false teachers and condoned sin.
In Jesus’ letter to the church in Ephesus, He commended the church for rejecting the deeds of the Nicolaitans, but He criticized this church for accepting their teachings. Chuck Swindoll stated, “While Ephesus understood how to love the sinner and reject the sin, Pergamum chose to love the sinner and accept the sin!”
And Jesus takes a very strong stance against this. He rebukes the pastor, the leaders, and the church for allowing these false teachings and practices to happen under their noses.
We must be on guard against similar false teachings taking root among us. The pressure to compromise is real, and the pressure that culture puts on us to hide or change our views is palpable. The solution isn’t to change the Word or tolerate harmful practices. Jesus calls us to something higher.
His solution: Repent, or else (2:16). Deal with this. Get those doing this to repent.
If repentance does not come, Jesus warns, “He will make war against them with the sword of His mouth.” Let us heed this call to purity in doctrine and life.
To those who overcome through faith in the power of Christ, amazing promises await. Jesus will give them hidden manna, a white stone of victory, and a new name known only to them. What an incentive we have to persevere to the end!
The “hidden manna” is a reward for overcoming believers. It likely refers to the manna hidden or placed within the ark of the covenant in the Holy of Holies. It may signify a more intimate experience in the kingdom. Being welcomed into God’s visible presence—the Holy of Holies—with sweeter fellowship than had they denied Him.
A “white stone” was given to victors in athletic competitions. It was their prize. It conveyed, “Well done, victory, honor.” So, it may signify the believer’s victory and symbolize the overcomer’s approval and faithfulness to Christ.
It doesn’t matter what names the world calls us. God has a special, personal name for those who host fast to Jesus’ name.
Let us encourage one another, rebuke sin with grace, and fix our eyes on the Author and Perfecter of our faith. May we have ears to hear and hearts ready to respond to Jesus’ timeless message.