Continuing our focus on Revelation 2, with specific examination of the letters our Master Jesus wrote to the seven angels of the seven churches, we must remain eager to hear what he says and correct what he rebukes. These letters, delivered by Jesus to us through the Apostle John, look profoundly at the struggles and strengths of the early church, but they are incredibly relevant for the body of Christ living today.
He begins His letter to Pergamum by recognizing their location and the tough situation they’re in. Pergamum was notorious for its for its heavy dose of pagan practices and emperor worship, earning the reputation as a center of idolatry, and making it a challenging place for Christians. Despite this difficult environment, our powerful Lord and Savior recognizes their faithfulness. In Revelation 2:13 (NLT), he says, “I know that you live in the city where Satan has his throne.” This shows that even though Pergamum was surrounded by strong opposition, they were holding firm in their faith.
One of their members, Antipas, had been martyred for his witness, and Jesus acknowledges this sacrifice with the title “My faithful witness.” This shows that not only was Antipas’s sacrifice significant, but it also reflects the genuine and brave commitment of the entire church in Pergamum. Being martyred for your faith is a testament to the depth of commitment to Christ, and by recognizing Antipas’s sacrifice, Jesus is saying that their dedication to him was real and courageous.
This acknowledgment highlights the significant cost of discipleship and encourages the Pergamum believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of persecution. As 2 Timothy 3:12 (NLT) reminds us, “Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” Challenges while standing firm in our beliefs and faith even when things get tough is part of our journey as Christ’s disciples. This is just as relevant for us today as it was for the Pergamum church.
Despite their strong faith, the Pergamum church had some serious issues to address. Jesus calls them out for tolerating false teachings, specifically those of Balaam and the Nicolaitans. These teachings led believers into immorality and idolatry, directly contradicting the Gospel. Jesus warns them in Revelation 2:14 (NLT), “But I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam.” This was a major problem, similar to what we see in the church today. Many people attempt to dilute God’s truth by blending it with societal norms and practices. Even though the Pergamum church was steadfast in many ways, they allowed harmful and misleading teachings to take hold, which weakened their commitment to Christ.
We must never allow this to happen. Jesus urges the church to repent and turn away from these false teachings, making it clear that they need to remove these corrupt influences. In Revelation 2:16 (NLT), his call is urgent: “Repent of your sin, or I will come to you suddenly and fight against them with the sword of my mouth.” This vivid imagery of the “sword of my mouth” represents the powerful and decisive Word of Jesus, which can cut through falsehood and bring judgment. It signifies that Jesus will use his authoritative Word to address and correct the errors within the church. This stark warning emphasizes the seriousness of the situation and the need for immediate action to cleanse the body of believers of corrupt teachings. It strongly emphasizes that tolerating false doctrines is not just a minor issue but something that requires swift and decisive correction to stay true to Christ and his Gospel.
It’s crucial that we understand the seriousness of Jesus’ message to Pergamum. The call to repent and cleanse our beliefs from corrupting influences and misleading teachings is not just historical lesson; it’s a call to action for us today! 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NLT) challenges us with this: “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.” As we navigate our spiritual journeys in Christ, we must be vigilant against any teachings that deviate from the truth of the Gospel. By staying rooted in God’s Word and keeping our faith strong and untainted, we make sure we’re not led astray. Let’s commit to regularly examining our own beliefs as well as those around us, making sure we stick to the purity of what Christ really teaches and actively rejecting anything that could weaken our faith or hinder and relationship with God. ■
Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
“Revelation 2–Part C: Remove Corrupt Influences”, written for 4theChristianMan.com© 2025. All rights reserved. All praise and honor to God through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.