Verses 12-17 (Pergamos)
The Compromising Church
The name Pergamos means "exaltation" or "marriage". It represents the period in the Christian church from 313 to 538 AD. Some important events of this period are:
- 313 AD - Emperor Constantine IV grants religious freedom through the Edict of Milan.
- 321 AD - Emperor Constantine IV decrees Sunday observance.
- 325 AD - Council of Nicaea established Christian doctrine.
- 365 AD - Council of Laodicea forbids Sabbath observance on Saturday.
- 533 AD - Emperor Justinian acknowledges supremacy of the bishop of Rome.
- 538 AD - Emperor Justinian defeats the Ostrogoths, the last Barbarian tribe in the way of the papacy. The 1260 prophecy begins.
12. And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
13. I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
14. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
15. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
16. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
17. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
Description of Christ
12. And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;
Jesus is portrayed as having a sharp sword with two edges. The sharp sword represents the Word of God, which was especially needed in this period of doctrinal errors and compromises.
12. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Satan's Throne
13. I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.
Where is Satan's throne?
13. For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Satan's throne is located
- above the stars of God.
- upon the mount of the congregation.
- in the sides of the north.
- in the place of God.
Satan's throne = spirit of exaltation
- The stars represent God's children (Dan.12:3). Satan seeks to be above the other sons of God, and rule over God's children.
- The mountain is also a symbol of God's church (Micah 4:1-2). Satan seeks to sit upon the mount of the congregation.
- Satan seeks to take God's throne, which is located in the sides of the north.
- Satan seeks to take God's place.
In the period of Pergamos, Satan sought to accomplish his purpose through the bishop of Rome, who began to exercise rulership over the churches. This began as early as the 2nd century, but because of persecution, it did not have the opportunity to develop. Once the persecution ceased, however, its supremacy was made more evident. In prophecy, the power of the papacy is termed "the little horn" and the "man of sin."
- It is located in the north.
- It casts down stars to the ground.
9. And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.
10. And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.
- He sits in the temple of God (temple = church, Ephesians 2:19-22).
- He sits in the place of God.
3. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
4. Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
"The Church was at first a society of brethren, under the guidance of brethren. They were all taught of God, and each was entitled to come to the Divine fountain of light, and draw for himself. (John, vi, 45.) The Epistles, which then decided great questions of doctrine, were not inscribed with the pompous name of a single man—a head. The Holy Scriptures inform us, that the words were simply these, "The apostles, elders, and brethren, to our brethren." (Acts, xv, 23.)
"But even the writings of the apostles intimate, that from the midst of these brethren a power would rise and subvert this simple and primitive order. (2 Thess., ii, 2.)
"Let us contemplate the formation, and follow the development of this power—a power foreign to the Church.
"Paul of Tarsus, one of the greatest apostles of the new religion, had arrived at Rome, the capital of the empire and of the world, preaching the salvation which comes from God. A church was formed beside the throne of the Cæsars. Founded by this apostle, it consisted at first of some converted Jews, some Greeks, and some citizens of Rome. For a long time it shone like a pure light on a mountain top. Its faith was everywhere spoken of; but at length it fell away from its primitive condition. It was by small beginnings that the two Romes paved their way to the usurped dominion of the world.
"The first pastors or bishops of Rome early engaged in the conversion of the villages and towns around the city. The necessity which the bishops and pastors of the Campagna di Roma felt of recurring in cases of difficulty to an enlightened guide, and the gratitude which they owed to the Church of the metropolis, led them to remain in close union with it. What has always been seen in analogous circumstances was seen here; this natural union soon degenerated into dependence. The superiority which the neighbouring churches had freely yielded, the bishops of Rome regarded as a right. The encroachments of power form one large part of history, while the resistance of those whose rights were invaded forms the other. Ecclesiastical power could not escape the intoxication which prompts all those who are raised to aim at rising still higher. It yielded to this law of humanity and nature.
"Nevertheless, the supremacy of the Roman bishop was at this time limited to oversight of the churches within the territory civilly subject to the prefect of Rome. But the rank which this city of the Emperors held in the world, presented to the ambition of its first pastor a larger destiny. The respect paid in the second century to the different bishops of Christendom was proportioned to the rank of the city in which they resided. Now Rome was the greatest, the richest, and the most powerful city in the world. It was the seat of Empire,—the mother of nations; "All the inhabitants of the earth belong to it," says Julian; and Claudian proclaims it "the fountain of law."
"If Rome is queen of the cities of the world, why should not its pastor be the king of bishops? Why should not the Roman Church be the mother of Christendom? Why should not the nations be her children, and her authority their sovereign law? It was easy for the ambitious heart of man to reason in this way. Ambitious Rome did so.
"Thus Pagan Rome, when she fell, sent the proud titles which her invincible sword had conquered from the nations of the earth to the humble minister of the God of peace seated amidst her ruins.
"The bishops in the different quarters of the empire, led away by the charm which Rome had for ages exercised over all nations, followed the example of the Campagna di Roma, and lent a hand to this work of usurpation. They took pleasure in paying to the Bishop of Rome somewhat of the honour which belonged to the Queen city of the world. At first there was no dependence implied in this honour. They treated the Roman pastor as equal does equal; but usurped powers grow like avalanches. What was at first mere brotherly advice soon became, in the mouth of the Pontiff, obligatory command. In his eyes a first place among equals was a throne.
"The Western bishops favoured the designs of the pastors of Rome, either from jealousy of the Eastern bishops or because they preferred the supremacy of a pope to the domination of a temporal power.
"On the other hand, the theological factions which rent the East sought, each in its turn, to gain the favour of Rome, anticipating their triumph from the support of the principal Church of the West.
"Rome carefully registered these requests, these mediations, and smiled when she saw the nations throwing themselves into her arms. She let slip no occasion of increasing and extending her power. Praise, flattery, extravagant compliments, consultation by other churches, all became, in her eyes, and in her hands, titles and evidents of her authority. Such is man upon the throne; incense intoxicates him, and his head turns. What he has he regards as a motive to strive for more." (D'Aubigne, History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century, Volume 1, Glasgow, William Collins and Co., 1845, pp. 14-17)
Satan's seat or throne is in Rome, and he seeks to rule the world through the system of papacy.
The seat or throne of Satan is in this world, and students of prophecy are to be fully awake regarding the powers they are to meet. (Ms 78, 1905, par. 14)
This compromise between paganism and Christianity resulted in the development of “the man of sin” foretold in prophecy as opposing and exalting himself above God. That gigantic system of false religion is a masterpiece of Satan's power—a monument of his efforts to seat himself upon the throne to rule the earth according to his will. (GC 50.1)
Satan's throne = spirit of self-exaltation
Satan's throne = seat of Rome
The doctrine of Balaam
14. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
Parallels between the story of Balaam and the development of papacy:
| Balaam | The man of sin |
|---|---|
| Balaam, a prophet | Religious power (Christian church) |
| Balac, the king | Political power (Roman emperors) |
| Balaam was at first a true prophet of God, but apostatized through greed and self-exaltation (PP 439). | The church in Rome was pure at first, but it fell from its state of purity by seeking self-exaltation. |
| Introduced idolatry in the Israelite camp. | Introduced idolatry in the church, |
| Introduced fornication in the camp. | Union between church and state. |
Idolatry, or eating things sacrificed to idols, refers to several things that began to appear in the church:
- Covetousness.
5. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
Covetousness is love of money and the things of this world.
Forgetting, however, the precepts of their religion, which taught them humility and meekness, they became gaudy in their apparel, and extravagant in their manner of living, insomuch that they excited the envy of the heathen... (John Fox, Book of Martyrs, Hurst & Company Publishers, p. 48).
- Worship of statues and images and false doctrines.
In the Bible, food is often a symbol of teachings or doctrines. The Word of God is clean food (Matt. 4:4). Eating food sacrificed to idols, therefore, must be corrupt teachings and doctrinal errors.
...A union was formed between Christianity and paganism. Although the worshipers of idols professed to be converted, and united with the church, they still clung to their idolatry, only changing the objects of their worship to images of Jesus, and even of Mary and the saints. The foul leaven of idolatry, thus brought into the church, continued its baleful work. Unsound doctrines, superstitious rites, and idolatrous ceremonies were incorporated into her faith and worship. As the followers of Christ united with idolaters, the Christian religion became corrupted, and the church lost her purity and power. There were some, however, who were not misled by these delusions. They still maintained their fidelity to the Author of truth and worshiped God alone. (GC 43.1)
Fornication, the second part of Balaam's doctrine, represents the unnatural union of the church, Christ's legitimate bride, with the political powers of the earth.
- And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:
- With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.
3. For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
26. Thou hast also committed fornication with the Egyptians thy neighbours, great of flesh; and hast increased thy whoredoms, to provoke me to anger.
27. Behold, therefore I have stretched out my hand over thee, and have diminished thine ordinary food, and delivered thee unto the will of them that hate thee, the daughters of the Philistines, which are ashamed of thy lewd way.
28. Thou hast played the whore also with the Assyrians, because thou wast unsatiable; yea, thou hast played the harlot with them, and yet couldest not be satisfied.
29. Thou hast moreover multiplied thy fornication in the land of Canaan unto Chaldea; and yet thou wast not satisfied herewith.
30. How weak is thine heart, saith the Lord GOD, seeing thou doest all these things, the work of an imperious whorish woman;
31. In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire;
32. But as a wife that committeth adultery, which taketh strangers instead of her husband!
The union of church and state is also illustrated by the iron and clay in Daniel 2.
Idolatry = covetousness, vanity, and love of the world
Idolatry = worship of saints
Food sacrificed to idols = false doctrines
Fornication = union of church and state
Doctrine of the Nicolaitans
15. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
Like in Ephesus, this is again Greek philosophy mixed with Biblical truth. Greek philosophy played a major role in the development of Roman Catholic theology. Sunday observance and the immortality of the soul, among other doctrines, are based on Greek Platonism.
“Platonism is part of the vital structure of Christian theology . . . . (If people would read Plotinus, who worked to reconcile Platonism with Scripture,) they would understand better the real continuity between the old culture and the new religion, and they might realize the utter impossibility of excising Platonism from Christianity without tearing Christianity to pieces. The Galilean Gospel, as it proceeded from the lips of Jesus, was doubtless unaffected by Greek philosophy . . . . But (early Christianity) from its very beginning was formed by a confluence of Jewish and Hellenic religious ideas" (William R. Inge, The Philosophy of Plotinus, London: Longmans, Green, and Co., pp. 12,14)
"Justin Martyr was a heathen philosopher at the time of his conversion to Christianity. He continued to wear the heathen philosopher's robe throughout his entire life. Philip Schaff says of him, ‘He may be called in a loose sense, a Christian Platonist. . . . From the time of Justin Martyr (about 150 A.D.), the platonic philosophy continued to exercise a direct and indirect influence upon Christian theology. . . . We can trace it especially in Clement of Alexandria, and Origen.’” (W. E. Straw, "How Sunday Observance Entered the Church", Ministry Magazine, March 1941)
In the letter to Ephesus, Jesus hates the deeds of the Nicolaitans. In the letter to Pergamos, he hates their doctrine.
This shows how important it is the kind of doctrine that we hold. Do our beliefs and lifestyle please God?
. . . It is impossible for us, with the Bible within our reach, to honor God by erroneous opinions. Many claim that it matters not what one believes, if his life is only right. But the life is molded by the faith. (GC 597.2)
Admonition
16. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth.
Promise
17. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
Hidden manna. Two different kinds of food are mentioned in this letter: the food sacrificed to idols and the hidden manna. The false doctrines are placed in opposition to the pure word of God.
48. I am that bread of life.
49. Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
50. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
51. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
63. It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
A new name. A name in the Bible represents character or experience.
Name = character (Ex. 34:5-6)
Name = experience (Gen. 32:27-28)
Each one of us will receive a new name based on our personal experience with Christ. What experience are you having with God's Word?