The CORRESPONDENT (matches description in Revelation 1:16)

“Out of His mouth came a sharp two-edges sword” = refers to the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12; Ephesians 6:17)

Scripture does not record the founding of the church at Pergamum (Paul did pass through the region of Mysia in Acts 16:7-8)

It was considered the greatest city in Asia and was an important center for the worship of four gods – as well as Emperor worship

This put Christians in the city in great harm as one day a year every person was required to make a sacrifice to the worship of the emperor

“know” = full and complete knowledge

You dwell where Satan’s throne is = Satanic influence was prevalent (could be a reference to the magnificent altar to Zeus; or a reference to the worship of Asklepios, god of healing; or a reference to the city being the center or Emperor worship)

You hold fast My name = did not waver in their faith (Matthew 16:18)

You did not deny My name even in the days of Antipas = Likely a church leader executed for refusing to worship the emperor (“My witnesss” = martyr; Acts 1:8); Tradition says he was roasted to death inside a brass bull during the persecution under Emperor Domitian

You have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam

Balaam was a Jewish prophet in Numbers 22-25 (prophecy whatever someone wanted for the right price) (2 Peter 2:15)

King of Moab hired him to curse Israelites but God prevented him so he tried to corrupt them by idolatry/immorality (some believed that it was fine to mix the idolatry and immorality of their culture with their faith for greed)

You also have some who hold the teaching of the Nicolaitans

Seem linked to Balaam’s false teaching (some believe it goes back to the deacon, Nicolas in Acts 6:5 who led people into idolatry)

The church at Ephesus hated this false teaching (Revelation 2:6) while the church at Pergamum tolerated this false teaching

Repent = The only remedy for sinful behavior is to repent

I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of My mouth = His coming in local judgment on that church (God takes sin/false doctrine very seriously and judges heretics for their behavior and the church for tolerance; see Titus 3:10-11)

He who overcomes= all true believers (1 John 5:4-5)

I will give some of the hidden manna

Manna was a honey flavored bread that God fed the Israelites with during their wandering in the wilderness (Exodus 16:14ff)

Manna was a type of Christ, the bread of Life who came down from heaven (see John 6:48-41)

Hidden manna symbolizes the blessings/benefits of knowing Christ (Ephesians 1:3); the spiritual resources believers in Christ have that the world knows nothing about (see John 4:31-34)

#1 - White stone is a diamond, symbolizing eternal life or

#2 - with the judicial system of that day (Jurors would give a white stone if finding the defendant not guilty and a black stone if guilty; Jesus will declare us “righteous” – He will give us a white stone)

#3 - Roman custom of awarding white stones to athletic victors which served as a ticket to awards banquet (marriage supper)

New name = “New” speaks of quality not timing and will reflect God’s love for us and His adoption of us as His children (Romans 8:15)