141 Seven Churches of Revelation: Pergamum - The Compromising Church

Jesus begins His message to the Church at Pergamum by saying this: “I know where you live, where Satan has his throne.” Indeed, Pergamum was home to temples to nearly every major Roman deity there was. There were temples to:

• Zeus – the greatest of the gods

• Dionysus – the god of wine and revelry

• Caesar – the political god

• Demeter – the goddess of the harvest

• Athena – the goddess of wisdom

• Asclepius – the god of healing

Paying homage to the gods was woven within the very fabric of life in Pergamum.  It was normal, even expected, to entreat them for help.

If you wanted power, you would go to the Temple of Zeus.  If you wanted pleasure, you would go to the Temple of Dionysus.  If you wanted good crops, you would go to the Temple of Demeter.  If you wanted wisdom, you would go to the Temple of Athena.  If you wanted to demonstrate that you were a loyal citizen, you would go to the Temple of the Emperor.  If you wanted healing, you would go to the Temple of Asclepius.   

To be a Christian in Pergamum and not compromise one’s loyalty, morality, or integrity, was a huge challenge.  

Though some of the believers held fast, even to the point of martyrdom, others had caved into the pressure to “go along to get along.” “It’s not so bad. God will forgive you.” 

Satan’s strategy hasn’t changed… because it works.

Satan’s strategy: Draw them into compromise.

We worship on Sunday, but then Monday comes, and with it the call to compromise. And if we’re not careful we can start to rationalize our actions. 

Jesus calls us into a Way of Living – a way that includes integrity, fidelity, and purity. 

For those who have fallen into compromise, Jesus gives a stern warning: Repent or face judgment.

Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of heart which results in a change of behavior.  

To be sure, Jesus loves you no matter what you have done.  But that doesn’t mean He’s okay with whatever you’re doing. We are spiritually naïve if we think we can do whatever we want to do and experience the presence, peace, and provision of God.  

But to those who remain faithful, Jesus gives two symbols of promise: 

• hidden manna – “I will be enough­ for you.”

• the white stone – “I will welcome you.”

Text: Revelation 2:12-17

Originally recorded on May 5, 2013, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.

We are grateful to Ada Bible Church and Pastor Jeff Manion for generously sharing their teaching resources for this series.